Brendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister is aware, our motorway network is part of the vital transport infrastructure in our State and I commend the work of previous Governments to develop the network which improved interconnectivity throughout our country. I ask the Minister, notwithstanding the fact that his responsibilities may not cover this area, to intervene in this matter and work to bring about a resolution. The change is due to come into effect on 1 September, just as children go back to school and traffic returns to its busiest levels after the summer. There is time for the Minister to intercede and resolve the matter.

I refer to the M1, as it is the motorway with which I am most familiar. It links Dublin and Belfast, the two largest cities on the island. It bypasses and serves some of the largest towns in Ireland, such as Dundalk, Drogheda and Swords, as well as the fastest growing town in Ireland, Balbriggan. Any impact on traffic on the M1 has the potential to affect thousands of commuters in all of these towns, including those travelling on express bus services provided by Dublin Bus and other providers which use the Dublin Port tunnel.

The Minister has been given a lot of notice of the change. I accept his response, but if the matter is not resolved the situation could escalate or spread. A major benefit to our motorway network is the electronic payment mechanisms which are accepted and used. We do not want to inconvenience busy people who use our motorways on a regular basis and require them to pay at barriers or in shops.

There are many infrastructural needs in the country, but let us not go backwards. I ask the Minister to nip this issue in the bud and resolve or influence it in any way he can in order that commuters are not inconvenienced. I acknowledge the response of the Minister to a previous question, in which he stated that he will meet TII, and look forward to his positive intervention.

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