Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

An extensive programme of road and rail infrastructural improvement is taking place. We are still waiting for the completion of the M50 and the situation may be worse during periods of congestion, but this is not true of off-peak times when the situation is much better.

Urban tolls in the sense of physical barriers are not desirable in general. It was not for nothing that people rid themselves of tolls in the 18th century as an obstruction to the spirit of free trade and movement. On the other hand, if one could do this electronically, then much of the objections would vanish.

It has been well explained that the West Link toll bridge was built at a time when Ireland was not well off and did not have many resources. I am uncertain as to whether Senator Brian Hayes's comparison between Dún Laoghaire and the West Link is valid. Once one passes through the toll bridge near the River Boyne there should be no further blockages. However, if one were to raise the barriers there would be a blockage just a short way up the road. This is why there is no good case for buying it out as congestion would only be shifted slightly.

The members of the Government agree that public transport is the main solution as it provides choice and more capacity for rail park and ride. In his contribution the Minister cited the Luas as a brilliant success. RAIL magazine carried out a study of seven light rail schemes in the UK. This study found that these schemes meet their objectives for usage, urban regeneration and switching passengers from road to rail, that light rail is a more effective alternative to buses when passenger numbers are high, and has become an important contributor to regeneration. Transport economists who hate rail should take note of this study.

I hope that the loosening of the Stability and Growth Pact will provide us with more resources to fast-track some of our infrastructural investments.