Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I was leader of the Labour Party on Dublin City Council for more than eight years. One of our core policies has always been a sustainable transport system for Dublin. We launched a widespread sustainable approach to transport in the city in the early 1990s. For example, I proposed the first cycle way network for Dublin. We also sought real time and intermediate information and much better bus networks. Our current party leader, Councillor Kevin Humphreys, and his colleagues on the city council are following the same fundamental beliefs and are looking as much as I am for sustainable transport.

The Minister and the Green Party should not hide behind stupid smokescreens regarding the necessary changes in the provision of enhanced public transport. Fianna Fáil's lethargy over the past 12 years in doing anything about these measures is why we find ourselves with a serious public transport deficit. For example, when will John Tierney and his committee produce a report on the measures necessary to permit metro north to proceed in central Dublin? The Minister should not use cliches and smokescreens.

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