Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

On Monday, many Oireachtas Members from the Dublin area met with the management of Fingal County Council. They were shocked to be given information that despite the proposed ratification of the review of the draft development plan by the council in the coming weeks, the projected population figures for 2011 will be reached by 2008. This is in tandem with 7,000 housing units being taken out of the draft development plan by parties who speak ad nauseam about housing shortages and means there will be a further spiralling house crisis in the Fingal area. This is after ten years of trying to meet demand, which has now happened. The reason the councillors give for taking these houses out of the draft development plan is the lack of transport and rail facilities. They say they have not been given the go-ahead for a rail line to Dunboyne, which would alleviate the traffic situation, a matter which has been raised in this House many times. I certainly would like a further debate on this issue.

Like Senator Ryan, I wonder who will shoulder the debt for Cork Airport. The business plans for the various airports are being finalised and I am aware the one for Dublin Airport does not envisage taking on the debt for Cork. This might have an impact on the ongoing debate about the amount of money that might be spent on a terminal in Dublin. I would like a debate on that issue as well.