Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I hoped the Minister would have set out his views at the outset. He is aware that should the parking restrictions and reductions proposed by the NTA and the Dublin city executive be implemented, this could have a damaging impact on retail business in Dublin city centre. I ask again whether the Minister will outline for the House his views as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and as a Deputy in the area? As the Minister is aware, under his guidance the NTA has made the transport plan into a war on private motorists and cars in general. I believe that is a naive approach.

If we look at some of the other studies that have been done, it is clear that if the proposals as outlined are implemented, this will have a very destabilising effect on retail activity within the city centre. In recent years, we have all agreed with changes to planning laws which have restricted the development of a doughnut effect, in other words, the pulling of retail activity into large centres on the outskirts of towns and cities. I believe the intended proposal, based on what has been published, would have that hollowing-out effect on the city centre of Dublin. This would have a damaging impact on the life of the city overall. I would like to hear the Minister's view on this.

See this speech in context