Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Current transport trends within the greater Dublin area are unsustainable. Congestion is increasing, transport emissions are growing, economic competitiveness is suffering and the quality of life for commuters and inhabitants is declining. To rent a house stretches most people financially and to own a house is beyond the means of most people. On top of this, we are spending more and more time commuting, especially from the outskirts of Dublin. Dublin is a city under severe pressure with no sign of a let-up. It is also evident that this situation will adversely affect any new business looking to set up here, especially in the wake of Brexit. This is a direct result of the lack of foresight of this Government and previous Fianna Fáil Governments. It highlights the lack of joined-up thinking when it comes to transport, especially when the capacity of the Dublin region as a destination for living, visiting, locating to and doing business is being seriously undermined.

There is another threat to the development of the city that is probably the most significant. This threat to the public transport service is the privatisation agenda being driven by the Government and previously by its Fianna Fáil colleagues who put the process in train. Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and the rail network should be retained in public ownership to allow the people of this country to benefit from increased and enhanced transport infrastructure over the coming years.

Our amendment to this Private Members' motion aims to kick-start the process of planning a city that will match and exceed the projected rise in population in the greater Dublin area, which is expected to grow by 22% to 1.8 million by 2030 and by 26% to 700,000 in the mid-east region alone, including Kildare, Meath and Wicklow. Now is the time to start this process and fast-track the many plans for an increase in infrastructure to provide for the future. Projects such as DART underground, which was put on hold, and metro north should be reintroduced. The consultation for metro north is supposed to start at the end of this year. It should be brought forward. In addition, the Dublin outer orbital route, which was kicked down the road to 2035, should be seriously reconsidered.

In Dublin north west, two major projects would increase capacity: the metro north through Ballymun and the extension of the Luas to Finglas. I also contend that these two lines should be joined up in the future. The benefits for Dublin, our national airport and the surrounding areas are obvious. Thousands of cars will essentially be removed from the roads, improving the environment of Dublin city. Jobs will also be created both during and after construction. The situation we face is we either build the capacity now or will suffer in the future. It is imperative that the Government commitments to these services be fully implemented. The alternative of an increased population and underdeveloped transport infrastructure will strangle the city both socially and economically.

The Minister mentioned the three bus rapid transit routes, which the NTA is considering again, but I hope it will not be at the expense of many areas served by buses. If we mainstream many of these areas and confine things to a few main routes, which seems to be the plan, many areas will be affected, so we need to watch that space very carefully.

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