Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that the cost-benefit analysis was conducted according to strict procedures and that, contrary to his claim, my Department did not in any way suggest that it was not done in the correct manner. I also assure the Deputy that we have examined every alternative. One of the things we have learned from conducting public projects in a robust way is that one has to be sceptical about the different alternatives. In 2015, five alternatives were considered, ten were considered in 2018, and three alternatives were considered in 2019. At no point did we overlook the importance of testing plan A, the one we now have on the table, against possible alternatives. Every time we did so we found that the alternatives would result in some people being left out, a longer delay for the project, or a higher cost. I do not know whether the Deputy wants people to be left out - it is not clear from his comment whether he is advocating for that - or whether he wants the process to be delayed to allow a new tendering process to be completed. I know he advocates a different model that would require such delay. It is important that the Deputy and other Deputies be honest with the public. We have a plan that is capable of delivering. If one wants to take an alternative approach, one has to look at whether it will deliver cheaper, sooner, and in a better way.

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