John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I hope I will have a good relationship with the person elected, even if it is a Fine Gael person. Fine Gael has supported this proposal. One of Deputy McHugh's colleagues raised it on the Adjournment and I set out the responsibilities involved in a little more detail then. If the Deputy wishes, I can repeat them: setting the framework for the future; the physical development of Dublin city and the region by setting out regional planning guidelines which Dublin local authorities must abide by; delivering a reliable, sustainable, integrated public transport in Dublin by leading the Dublin Transportation Authority, following the London model; ensuring the delivery of an environmentally sustainable approach to waste management in Dublin by proposing and overseeing the implementation of the Dublin region waste management plan; maximising conservation and efficient use of water resources and the safe treatment of waste water through proposing and overseeing the implementation of the Dublin regional water services plan; promoting a dynamic city region which is enterprising and renowned for its rich culture and heritage by bringing all key public and private sectors together in a new regional development board; promoting quality housing and sustainable communities; promoting the protection and enhancement of Dublin's environment; and a range of other areas. This will be set out in the legislation.

We feel it will not impose significant costs. They will be found within the existing financial arrangements. Given the broad support we have received for this initiative from the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and others, we feel that it will be successful. It will be a real legacy and something of which we can all be proud.

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