Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The proposal is a very attractive one in general terms, in that it will create a major new pedestrian area beside the cross-city Luas service. In the 18th century the likes of Theobald Wolfe Tone who founded the Republic could stroll from Trinity College Dublin across to Parliament House and watch Henry Grattan and Henry Flood arguing the case for full Irish independence. Although our Parliament was independent, this was not an independent state. In theory, the proposal is attractive. However, Dublin Bus and other public transport operators have expressed grave concerns that it will make north-south connectivity in Dublin much more difficult. The matter is within the Minister's remit and we will have to proceed very carefully on it. There are already connectivity issues for people like me who live on the north side and work in this quadrant of the city. This connectivity could be disrupted. Trades people need to drive independently. Other workers who cannot use public transport are in the same boat. There is a significant issue, although, in general terms, the proposal seems to be incredibly attractive. I have also made the point that we need more initiatives on the north side of Dublin, particularly in the north inner city. We have discussed this issue a lot in recent times. There are all kinds of initiative south of the Liffey. A visitor to the city recently thought, in looking at Dublin, that there were two cities, one on the north side and one on the south side.

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