Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

To delete all words after “Dáil Éireann” and substitute the following:

“recognises that:

— there is clear and compelling evidence of increasing levels of traffic congestion across the Dublin Region;

— congestion is already presenting a significant cost to the economy of the Dublin Region and, if unaddressed, could adversely affect the competitiveness of the region and the health, well-being and quality of life of its commuters and inhabitants;

— major road development is not the solution to congestion issues in Dublin; and

— the core elements of the solution to congestion in the Dublin Region in the short to medium term lie, among other things, in an efficient public transport system, including a transformation of the bus system, alongside park and ride provision;

acknowledges:

— the important role of the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) Transport Strategy 2016-2035, which was adopted last year and which sets out a clear vision for transport planning in the Dublin Region;

— that there is already a significant number of projects and initiatives being implemented to improve the capacity and effectiveness of the public transport system in the Dublin Region, including Luas Cross City, which will be delivered this year, and other transformational rail projects such as the new Metro North, the DART Underground and the wider DART Expansion Programme that are being progressed;

— the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government that the €3.6 billion investment in the public transport system, provided for in the Capital Plan, will uphold the principles of Smarter Travel;

— the important role of the Capital Plan and the Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport in setting out a vision for public transport at national level; and

— the importance of a forthcoming National Transport Authority (NTA) initiative that will seek to transform the bus system in the Dublin Region; and

calls on the Government to:

— commit, while taking cognisance of the overall Budgetary parameters, to achieving a modern, efficient and effective public transport system for the GDA; and

— request that the NTA continue to pursue strategies for alleviation of congestion in the GDA, including the implementation of a proposed transformation of the bus system in Dublin.”

Let me start by saying that I welcome this debate. For many Deputies it is somewhat Dublin-centric, but it is nonetheless very important because the greatest problems of traffic and congestion in this country lie in Dublin. No one is going to run away from the fact that we have a problem there.

The only issue I have with Fianna Fáil is in respect of what we do about it, as well as some of the statements made by those in that party about the lack of ambition of the Government and the condemnation of our output. Apart from that, I think we are probably on the same sheet. I look forward to all Members who have spoken so eloquently making submissions to the many public consultations that we have held and that we will continue to hold on the issues they have raised. I say as much in all sincerity because it is important that the Opposition, especially at this time of partnership Government and the agreement we have, co-operates in this area for the good of the people of Dublin, who certainly have suffered in recent years because of the congestion of traffic. We are going to address this.

There are elements of common ground between the Government's views and the Fianna Fáil motion. I share the view that congestion, if unaddressed, can adversely impact on the health, well-being and quality of life for commuters and inhabitants. I agree that, if unrestrained, congestion could affect the overall competitiveness of the Dublin region. Most important, I am strongly in favour of a solution with public transport at its core. Let there be no doubt about it: we recognise this problem. We recognise that it is our problem and we recognise that it must be addressed urgently.

We have all heard the anecdotes of growing congestion in Dublin. These anecdotes are borne out by compelling evidence that everyday journeys of people are becoming more and more difficult. In recognition of this, my Department and the National Transport Authority have undertaken work to provide an evidence base to address travel demand growth in the Dublin region.

The motion calls on Government to improve the attractiveness, reliability and integration of public transport. That is perfectly reasonable. The Government is committed to a well-funded public transport system that achieves these objectives. The capital plan allocation of €3.6 billion will enable several major public transport projects to proceed and to fund additional capacity to meet existing and future commuter needs, including Luas cross-city and metro north. Of course, I have made a strong case for increased public transport investment as part of the mid-term review of the capital plan.

Notwithstanding our common ground, there are elements of the Fianna Fáil motion that Government simply cannot support. That is why, on behalf of the Government, I have proposed amendment No. 1. The Fianna Fáil motion states that Government lacks vision and a plan to cope with future public transport demand in Dublin city and the wider region. It also refers to a lack of ambition in the capital plan for public transport. I hope to be able to answer those particular criticisms in the weeks ahead. These assertions do not consider the substantial provision made in the capital plan for public transport projects, including Luas cross-city – a project welcomed by Deputy Lahart. I do not want to claim the credit for it but it is coming.

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