Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Rock for raising this extremely topical issue. It is unusual to get a Topical Issue matter under this heading, so I am very grateful to get one today.

The Deputy represents very well the apprehension which obviously exists among a large number of his constituents and others that they will somehow be hit by this very dramatic, transformational and radical attack on congestion in Dublin city. I have spoken to the National Transport Authority about this matter, including its communications, and I am satisfied with its explanations, while still understanding the Deputy's view. The NTA has indicated that the launch this week related only to what it describes as indicative routes. Obviously, nothing is set in stone when one launches 16 indicative routes and changes may still be made. Identifying 1,300 houses that will be affected could be dishonest and alarmist and some of the households identified may not ultimately be affected. The NTA has, I believe, identified an approximate number as honestly as it possibly can, while leaving room for discussion on the routes. The final decision on which households will be affected will be taken soon. From my discussions with the authority, it appears that decision will be taken in October or about three months from now.

What is more, the NTA is absolutely adamant that it will speak individually to every one of the affected households. It gave me that assurance this morning. Some people may look forward to a small section of their land being taken off them if the astronomical amounts appearing in the media are correct.

The problem with issuing square footage valuations is that each square foot has a different valuation. Some places in south Dublin have incredibly high valuations, while others elsewhere are very low. That is also the case in north Dublin. Therefore, one could not have an average estimate by square foot.

I suspect we will see very laborious but very democratic dialogue. They will engage with each individual household on a market valuation and, inevitably, some cases will go to arbitration. The State has a mechanism for doing so. I hope it will be a dialogue that satisfies the Deputy and others who are rightly concerned and will remove the apprehension some people will have when the routes are identified in the future. That will mean that this extraordinary bold step to relieve congestion will be successful.

I acknowledge that the Deputy is correct in that some people will be discomfited. That is to be regretted, but the big picture is that while we will not remove congestion forever, we will make dramatic inroads in easing it in this city. The number cycling will increase and the time it takes people to get to work will, on average, be halved. That is a serious goal we intend to achieve. I am sorry that some people will be inconvenienced, but there will be real dialogue and they will be generously compensated.

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