Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy’s contribution speaks to the need for wider investment in transport. From a public transport perspective, part of that is delivering greater rail and other infrastructure. The all-island rail review is the starting point for the wider vision we have on rail. To complement that, we must continue investment in roads infrastructure. We must make sure junctions and road infrastructure in towns and villages is made safer and we must promote road safety as a core part of roads investment. That is something we are seeking to prioritise.

On the progress on the different locations, I note the Deputy’s suggestions. Further work will be progressed by TII and the NTA as part of the feasibility and options report. Transport connectivity is hugely important for people who live and work in Ireland and is key to bringing life back into our villages, towns and urban centres. To encourage strong local economies and to give people real and viable alternatives to private cars, we need to provide good public transport options. We believe that expanding the public transport network and increasing service levels throughout the country in the ways set out in policies such as Connecting Ireland will lead to more balanced regional development and greater connectivity for all transport users. Park and ride can play a really important role in addressing congestion by intercepting private car trips and giving people the opportunity to use that public transport outlet in many areas. High capacity park and ride facilities are a really important part of that.

We will take on board what the Deputy has set out in the context of the park and ride facility. I note her comments on Bailieborough and will reflect that to the NTA as well as her suggestion on rail. I thank the Deputy for raising this issue this evening.

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