Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I just about have my ticket. If the Minister of State can use his influence to get additional tickets for me, I would welcome it.

I support the revitalisation of the transport system throughout the Dublin region. When I was very small I witnessed tram tracks being pulled up. Deputy Chris Andrews reminded us that Todd Andrews was in charge when the Harcourt line closed. I often wonder about the thinking behind that decision.

We are now trying to improve public transport services. The recent controversy about the College Green bus gate puts the debate into perspective. We should be trying to encourage people to take public transport to work and for shopping and social activities. The Luas has transformed Tallaght, not only by bringing people to Tallaght hospital, the Square and Shamrock Rovers' stadium but also by facilitating people who want to access town.

That is not to imply that bus services are unimportant, however. I am a member of the Dublin Bus community forum for Tallaght, which meets on a monthly basis in Killinarden. The forum is a partnership between Dublin Bus unions and management, the Garda and the community, including public representatives. It was founded at a time when Tallaght, like other regions, had difficulties with anti-social behaviour on buses. The withdrawal of bus services should be a last resort for any Dublin community. I condemn vandalism and anti-social behaviour but we need to maintain bus services. I appreciate the work done by the forum in that regard.

I have often been critical of the services provided by Dublin Bus. I understand it is reviewing its services, in which regard I listened carefully to the Minister's contribution on Private Members' business last night. I represent not only Tallaght but also Templeogue, Greenhills, Firhouse, Bohernabreena and Brittas. Constituents from these areas have made regular representations about bus services. The management of Dublin Bus should be more innovative in providing bus services. I lamented the passing of the local service which took small buses into estates. It is a pity the service was lost. A fine, innovative project has been introduced in Belfast involving a partnership between public transport services and local taxis. Under this initiative, taxi drivers pick up fares in housing estates and bring their passengers to the local bus route. The possibility of introducing a similar project in Dublin, particularly Tallaght, should be examined.

As a Government Deputy, I am not afraid to state that progress must be made on the introduction of integrated ticketing. One should be able to board a bus or Luas tram and change to another form of public transport using the same ticket. I travelled to London in August to watch a couple of matches, both of which involved Irish players. One can buy a ticket for use on the underground and buses. I cannot understand the reason this cannot be done here. It is time we had integrated ticketing in Dublin.

The Acting Chairman, Deputy Noel O'Flynn, and Minister of State, Deputy Haughey, will be surprised that I raise the issue of rural transport. Members of the Irish Farmers Association wondered why I attended their lobby meeting earlier. There are, however, farmers and a rural community in Tallaght. Members who are familiar with the area will be aware that those living in Bohernabreena and the general hill area do not have access to public transport. The Department and Ministers find it strange when I contact them to argue for the introduction of a rural transport service in parts of Tallaght. People living in rural areas adjacent to large urban centres should be able to access public transport services. I will continue to knock on the doors of the Ministers for Transport and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs because this service must be provided. As I stated, my country cousins will be surprised to hear me speak on behalf of people living in rural areas. It is important that transport services are provided in all areas.

The Luas has given Tallaght a major boost. The failure to join the two Luas lines in the city centre was a lost opportunity. I told successive Ministers at the time that the Luas should have gone through the estates of Tallaght west to Saggart. I am pleased work to extend the Luas to these areas is under way. Once the extension of the Luas line is complete, the delay and disruption caused in the community, specifically in my parish, will have been worthwhile. People will be able to travel to estates such as Fettercairn, Brookfield and Ardmore out to Citywest which has great facilities, including the first class services of the Citywest Hotel.

Occasionally, I go to the Point Depot to watch acts which cater to my age group, Cliff Richard, for example. When the Luas line extension is complete I will no longer have the hassle of driving into town as I will be able to take a Luas from Tallaght to the Point Depot. It is important that we support this development. As the communities located along the Luas line are aware, one must crack eggs to make a first class omelette. I am pleased the Luas line is being extended.

Many important issues have been raised in this debate. The Minister is moving in the right direction in establishing a national transport authority. The Bill contains many good measures. I hope it will pass quickly through the House.

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