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

I say to him what I said to the residents I met last night, namely, that I recognise this issue is having an effect on people. Much of this is due to the fact that a motorway, which was needed, has been put in place and is providing quicker access across particular areas throughout the country. Bus Éireann is now using the motorway in question and this is having an effect on communities. Last night, I asked the residents I met to indicate whether there are journeys they make frequently on particular routes where the provision of services would be of help to them. I informed them that when I receive the relevant information from them, I will examine it in conjunction with representatives from the NTA in order to discover how we might respond to this issue.

As the Deputy knows well, the Government that was led by his party introduced the 2009 Act under which the NTA was established. He, therefore, clearly understands how all of this works and that the NTA spends taxpayers' money which I make available to it. The legislation, which was introduced by the previous Government, gave rise to a welcome and beneficial change in the context of ensuring that we can spend taxpayers' money well. While I recognise the role played by the NTA, I also accept that this issue is the cause of frustration for people. As I outlined in my earlier contribution, the NTA will examine the position.

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