Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

The amendment is fundamental to the future success of the DTA and I do not understand why he cannot accept it. If at a later date he introduces legislation to replace the 1932 Act, all he has to do is amend this Bill to incorporate it in the new legislation. In the meantime the DTA could get off to a good start and deal with localised transport needs. The Department must handle the transport needs of the entire State at a time when we are trying to encourage commuters out of cars on to public transport but localised issues need to be addressed. It is proposed the DTA should deal with a limited area, where the bulk of the problem lies.

The Minister will be well aware of the massive 260% increase in transport emissions since 1990 and the targets the State must meet. I refer to linking services. If one lives between the DART station and the QBC in Dún Laoghaire, one may wish to use this public transport system, but how does one get to them? People drive to the DART station and the QBC stops and clog up church car parks and housing estates. There is a desire to use public transport. The DTA should introduce an Imp bus service that would connect people to the stations and bus stops. This is also relevant to the integrated ticketing proposal. I fail to see why this cannot be provided for in this legislation and it can be amended if new legislation is introduced to repeal the 1932 Act.

I have been writing to the Minister about the Patton Flyer, an important service that links Dalkey with Dublin Airport. Letter after letter returns from the Department stating that an operator has already been appointed for the service. With the greatest respect, whoever is advising the Minister does not know the locality. For €7, the Patton Flyer leaves Dalkey, goes through Glasthule to Dún Laoghaire, Monkstown and Blackrock village, continues along Ailesbury Road, turns into Sandymount, crosses the East Link bridge and goes through the tunnel to Dublin Airport in 40 minutes. Anyone who would drive a car to the airport from the Dalkey area would be a lunatic.

When I inquired into the identity of the alternative operator, I realised that the Department's letters were referring to Aircoach, which provides a new service from Greystones. That service takes the N11 through Stillorgan, goes along Mount Merrion Avenue and joins the Dún Laoghaire Road. Given that it does not go near Dalkey, Glasthule, Dún Laoghaire, Monkstown or Blackrock village, those areas have no service. Obviously, the person in question does not know the area, as no one knowledgeable would write a letter to tell someone that an alternative service was available.

That large commuter area could be saved and Dublin Airport could avoid having so many cars parked at it for a fortnight. The cars should be taken off the road, particularly along the route in question. I appeal to the Minister to set an example to show how serious we are about achieving our transport emission targets. The situation does not make sense. If the Minister sees fit after the enactment of this legislation, he could amend it via a new Act to remove power from the transport authority. In the meantime, we should continue providing a public transport service that will encourage people to get out of their cars and into public transport. Many people would be prepared to provide services were they authorised to do so.

See this speech in context