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

A recognition of the role played by Dublin City Council in this respect, as well as the powers afforded to the council under law and the use made of these powers, needs to be at the heart of the discussion. The council is looking to hear the views of the people of the city and beyond on its proposals. While that consultation process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to become publicly involved in a draft plan that is out for consultation. As I said to the Deputy, I support the overall objectives of the plan. It is essential that we find the right transport mix to deal with the huge increased demand for road space in the future owing to the recovering economy. In the past five years the Government has made funding of approximately €97 million available via the National Transport Authority for improvements in transport infrastructure in this area. The Government is also investing almost €370 million in the cross-city Luas line which will be operational in 2017.

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