Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the fact that we are discussing this. It is vital sometimes that we deal with specific issues relating to geographical areas such as Galway. We know there has been much in the public domain about getting the public transport system in Galway where it needs to be. I am sure people realise I am not from Galway. I am very glad this is being discussed and dealt with but it fits into the wider conversation on public transport.

I am not sure where to start. We welcome the reduction in fares. Everybody accepts and sees the benefits of ensuring we get more people on to buses. As has been said by a number of my colleagues, we need to deal with the school bus transport system. We cannot have the scenario we have every year in that, depending on the numbers who apply, we have a scramble around and all of us making representations to Ministers. In such a scenario there will be people carrying out walks to school and others following in their cars, just in case their kids are put off buses and all the rest of it, which has happened in Annagassan, County Louth. We need to make sure those pieces are dealt with.

Beyond that, we all know that planning issues need to be dealt with. The Minister spoke previously about almost natural selection with regard to the planning process. We need it streamlined in order that the particular capital projects that are needed get done. There are worries in my constituency in respect of the N53. We have the calamity that is An Bord Pleanála at present. There is a difficulty getting an oral hearing and there are worries with regard to finances and making sure necessary infrastructure is put in play. We need to look at how we do the entire design process between local authorities and all the other stakeholders. The Ardee bypass is another project that has never been brought to completion. However, some constituents have issues, which, again, is where we always fall down by not engaging sufficiently with the community beforehand.

I had a decent interaction with the Minister regarding the R173, which is the road out to the Cooley Peninsula, especially on safety measures that are needed at the Bush and Bellurgan schools. He agreed with it but the entire process is flawed. I could also talk about necessary works that need doing whether they are in Knockbridge or Shelagh or between St. Malachy's and the national schools there. We just need to improve the way we are dealing with the process.

We need to engage with all the stakeholders with regard to buses, that is, the private coach operators. My constituents raise the issue of Bus Éireann and particular difficulties with the 100X. It is not necessarily making the timelines. People from Dundalk would use that bus to make flights at the airport. We have a considerable number of issues to deal with across the board.

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