Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Luas cross-city is coming now, this year, and Deputy O'Brien knows that. The motion assumes no forward planning for public transport. It fails to acknowledge the NTA transport strategy for the greater Dublin area, which sets out a clear vision for transport planning in the greater Dublin area for the period 2016-35.

Furthermore, the NTA has been actively developing specific proposals to tackle congestion. As a result, an important initiative which proposes a radical transformation of the bus system in Dublin will be launched to the public by the NTA at the end of this month. That is why today’s discussion is so timely.

I recognise that establishing an advisory council for the NTA as proposed in the motion is possible under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. However, as the NTA is a national body, I do not believe that the structure of the proposed council, which was originally conceived as a body for the greater Dublin area, is appropriate for the expanded national remit of the NTA. I must also clarify that the DART underground project has not been cancelled.

See this speech in context