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

Deputy Bruton is correct; we need connectivity. It is critical to our economy. In response to his question, we will have to look to retain diversity in regard to the destinations and connectivity we have because that has been a significant benefit. We also have to look at diversity in terms of regional development. We have to maintain more balanced regional development and that will be a secondary element of any long-term plan. First and foremost, it is about getting through the immediate crisis. As Deputy O'Callaghan said, it will end, but particularly for people in the tourism, travel and hospitality sectors, it will be especially difficult. We are facing a second summer where we probably will not have a big international tourism season. For aviation, there is no end in sight for these measures in the coming months and that will present difficulties. Managing matters in this regard will be the first objective. Critically, we will absolutely support Deputy Bruton's call for accelerating the roll-out of electric vehicles and his suggestion - we hope to bring in legislation on this - for more flexible traffic management arrangements to improve cycling behaviour and the ability of people to manage how they make their way on the streets.

To respond to Deputy McAuliffe, the Road Traffic (All-Terrain Vehicle and Scrambler Motorcycle) (Amendment) Bill 2020 is a key to our Department's legislative programme and we expect to introduce it in the House. Obviously, it depends on the House's sitting times. We are restricted at the moment, but I hope we will be able to introduce it and a series of other items of legislation fairly soon after we return to normal sitting hours. It will address the regulation of scramblers, e-scooters and variable speed limits on the likes of the M50.

Turning to Deputy Cathal Crowe and the position of chairperson of Shannon Group, we hope to be able to bring that to the Government next week and have that chair in position. It will be critical to the future viability of the airport and, going back to what I said earlier, to the region.

To respond to Deputy O'Sullivan, "Clonakilty, God help us" was what we were brought up to say as we went through the town, but now it is the pride of west Cork because it is such a beautiful town. I have seen it transform over the years, not only the central spine but the whole town. It got the public realm right and dampened down the traffic in the main street. It provided good pedestrian access and on-street furniture, and other small things. It is the hanging-basket capital of the world. It made a difference and changed people's perception of the town. People wanted to live there and people now work there in huge numbers in brilliant shops. This move in Clonakilty towards active travel and a public realm is the best working example I cite to everyone. Part of that involved taking cars out of the town but Clonakilty is a good example of how that can work. It is not a massive bypass and it did not cost us an arm and a leg, but it delivered fundamental change. I would use Clonakilty as a good example for Bandon, if it is not a bit raw as a neighbouring town, and it is the way forward. We should follow Clonakilty in every town. God help us, that would be a turn for the better.

If Deputy O'Callaghan could send a specific written proposal about the public transport fares, I will happily consider it as part of the emergency measures we are taking. He is correct and, as a barrister, he will understand this. As I said earlier, the issues in the legislation are not insignificant and we had to consider them quickly last week, but the emergency requires it. The sacrifices we are all making in domestic travel mean we need something similar and commensurate in respect of international travel, and that is what we will do.

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