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

Funding is one of the constraints. Another is the fact that we need to expand the number of drivers and mechanics, as I said earlier. We have to make the public transport alternative work and that is why the Government is prioritising spending on public transport. It is not just about spending; it is also about political decisions.

I was very glad that the city council is now proceeding with taking some 60% of the through traffic out of the city centre this summer. The Deputy is correct that on his bus corridor there are good bus lanes to the city centre but when a bus gets to the city centre it is stuck in a jam because so much traffic uses the city centre as a through route rather than an access route. The decision to take measures this August to favour pedestrians, cyclists and public transport is another key measure. It is not always about financial resources; it is about a political commitment to making public transport work. In the end, that is better for everyone. People who have to drive do not want to be stuck in traffic. People who want a public transport alternative want it to be reliable. It is a win-win for everyone if we get that prioritisation right.

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