Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

In his next response, will the Taoiseach answer the question? What is the transport logic of widening the road, not bypassing but running through the Glen of the Downs? Where is that traffic going to go? How is that going to serve the long-distance commuters, who are only going to get stuck in more traffic as they come into Dublin?

The Taoiseach is a former Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. What is the transport logic of widening the M11 for 22 km at massive expense when that money could be used to provide public transport solutions that might actually work for our people? We will never tackle climate change if the Government continues this road building, leading to sprawl with housing going further and further out and people stuck in traffic forever and a day. Whether they are in electric cars, using diesel or petrol does not matter, they are all stuck in traffic. This road is primarily for long-distance commuting. There is only 2% HGV traffic on it compared with the other motorways, all of which are widening into Dublin at the same time. How does widening the M11 for 22 km make climate sense, transport sense or economic sense? The Government should spend the money on public transport instead. The Taoiseach should please answer the question, what is the argument for the M11 being widened?

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