Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy understands my position quite as well as I understand his. He is at liberty to champion this particular cause. If I were in his position, I might well be saying the same things. I am not at liberty to intervene in a process which will take me down the road which would be absolutely chaotic, however. That is why there is a public consultation. The Deputy will understand how the whole purpose of this is a thorough and democratic procedure.

The National Transport Authority, NTA, is in charge of what happens but is subject to one public consultation, maybe two consultations in certain cases, which are serious. It would not be going to them if they were not serious. I am certain that not only will the NTA be sympathetic to the 70 residents and their homes which have been targeted and compiled in the Deputy’s motion but also that it will also look at the non-political but reasonable requirements which have been made. I have full and total confidence in this consultation process which the NTA is running. It is perfectly legitimate for people to campaign. Many campaigns are based on logic, reason and humanity. I am sure the NTA will take all of those considerations into account when it comes to its final decision which is still several months away.

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