Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I absolutely appreciate the Deputy’s point, that there is a need for public transport projects in parts of our country to alleviate congestion challenges just as in many other parts of the country there is an acute need for infrastructure and investment in our local road network to respond to the needs in many counties. For me to gain support within Government for projects to be delivered, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, and others will want to know what those projects are, the business case for them and the cost. In order for me to answer those fundamental questions and ensure best value is secured for taxpayers I need to do this on a phased basis.

I strongly believe that compared with transport planning in recent years very few of the landmark public transport projects that were prioritised happened. There was a great improvement in our road network. I am clear that if we do not make more progress on key public transport projects our road network, regardless of its design, in some parts of the country, particularly in Dublin, will not be able to cope with the level of demand it will face.

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