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

There are a number of reasons I do not think it is the right strategy. We had the example of Deputy Kenny who was delayed this morning by an accident on the approaches to the M50. This road is already at full capacity. If we look at any of the statistical analysis, it is almost jammed at various sections now 24-7. In fact, we have had to introduce traffic management measures to try to cope with the excess capacity most of the time and particularly during the morning and evening rush hours. I do not believe, therefore, that there is spare capacity for people to make the switch. I also believe that is far more effective, quicker, fairer and better for us to actually change the geography of the city centre by reallocating the space for pedestrians, cyclists and the public realm rather than trying to relocate everyone elsewhere. We are engaged in a major demand management study both in Dublin and nationally. The fruits of that work will start to be seen before the end of the year or early next year. That is asking the question as to how we manage all this traffic. Included in that is the need to reduce the volume of traffic by 25% right across the country. I do not believe that the proposals set out would be the best means of achieving our aims.

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