Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed that the Minister is not in a position to put his views clearly into the public realm. I accept the statutory position he is in. It would be highly unusual if, as the Minister with responsibility for transport, he felt precluded from offering his views on this matter. If he were to offer them, I do not think it would conflict in any way with the roles of Dublin City Council or the National Transport Authority as set out in statute. Given that the total ban faced by private motorists on College Green and parts of the quays needs to be addressed in advance, I suggest the Minister set out his views as part of the process of public consultation. I totally believe in the concept of improving the movement of buses, trams, cyclists and pedestrians as part of the National Transport Authority's plan to cope with the expected 20% increase in commuter numbers. As the Minister knows, the report points out that O'Connell Bridge is used by approximately 70,000 vehicles each day, or approximately 60% of the number of vehicles that use the M50 each day. These are startling figures. It is right and appropriate that an approach be taken to ameliorate the expected increase in order that everybody can go about his or her business. Mr. Conor Faughnan of AA Ireland has suggested there has a belief for some time that four wheels are bad and two wheels are good. Unfortunately, that attitude is starting to find a level of acceptance in certain State agencies. We need to look at everything on its merits. The greater the number of people who involve themselves in the discourse during this process - that includes the Minister - the more helpful and beneficial it will be to whatever is the final draft. We have to look at the importance of the motorist, especially in the light of what he or she contributes to the economy generally.

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