James Bannon (Fine Gael)

From the time Luas was first discussed, it was apparent that a metro system would offer a more practical and ultimately more cost effective long-term solution to the Dublin's out of control traffic and transportation problems. However, following the major disruption that laying the Luas tracks has brought to Dublin streets, they are to be dug up again before Christmas for testing a metro rail system which has not even received Cabinet approval. This is despite the fact that Harcourt Street and Abbey Street have already been dug up for over two years. The Australians built a 2,800 kilometre long railway system for exactly the same price as the 23 kilometre Luas system not only ahead of schedule but under budget.