Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

Vast areas of the greater Dublin area have no bus or rail transport whatsoever due to the expansion of the city in recent years. Approximately 200,000 more people are living in the greater Dublin area and a significant number of them will not have a choice from Dublin bus. In discussing timetabling and accountability from CIE and, in particular, Iarnród Éireann, does the Minister accept that recent timetable changes were introduced on the northern line without consultation with passengers, trains are taking longer to get to Dublin and more stops are being made for longer periods of time? Notwithstanding the millions spent on improving that railway line, eight speed restrictions remain on it. Fares north of Balbriggan are almost twice what they are south of Balbriggan. Serious inequities exist for travellers from Drogheda and Laytown. Will the Minister ensure that something is done about this immediately by CIE and its companies?

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