Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We have had an awful lot of special pleading today, for various areas, including the question of SDZs in County Louth and elsewhere, and I understand that. However, a sensitive response has been given to what is happening in the area. It is being given the special treatment which is often accorded to such zones and it would not be fair to suggest it is being neglected. I understand the frustration the Deputy has over the lack of detail but this is a couple of years away and we cannot anticipate exactly what will happen.

The role of the NTA is to develop the SDZ in south Dublin and it has engaged in a proactive way with South Dublin County Council to ensure appropriate public transport arrangements were considered for the sustainable development of the designated lands at Clonburris. These lands were designated an SDZ on the basis of their economic and social importance to the State in terms of the provision of, inter alia, a residential development, educational facilities, commercial activities, rail infrastructure, emergency services and community facilities. Public transport considerations are required to give improved transport for current residents of the area so that the development of Clonburris does not increase congestion on existing routes or services and to ensure that, as it is developed, it is matched with public transport services to ensure development occurs in a sustainable way.

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