Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

——on the M50. I am talking specifically about the M50 so that is a simple answer. We live in a democracy and the planning process is the voice of the people. That voice was very clear — they did not want 24-hour working and weekend restrictions on the M50, which is regrettable because it does add to real costs that are visible, as well as hidden costs all over the place, including delivery. That is where we are, however, and all these roads are subject to the planning conditions as laid down.

This brings me to Senator Ross's point, although he has completely ignored the fact that a demand management review of the M50 was sought and set down by the planning process, not by the NRA, myself or the Government. It was a condition of planning on the M50 that they would examine the possibility of demand management in future. That was a legitimate matter. It is extremely childish, however, to present it as Senator Ross did, claiming that a week after the general election there will be tolling points all over the M50. It might sell a few stories here and there but it is disingenuous to suggest it.

I have been very clear about this. I have no doubt in my mind that demand management will ultimately be an issue on the M50. I have also stated quite clearly that we must have the entire M50 completed, along with other elements of the road network that feed into it, and the public transport facilities. If one is going to deal with those issues one must have alternate public transport facilities in place. I cannot think of any other major cities that do not have at least a skeletal framework of good public transport, including fixed rail, light rail and metro systems. That is what we are doing and there is no doubt that when we get to that point, whoever is here in ten or 15 years' time will have to look at that issue. It will not happen in advance of that, however.

Of course, I would love to live in a country that does not need tolls but we would not have a fraction of the roads programme we have delivered without the PPP involvement. That is a fact of life. It is interesting that many delegations from all parties have made it clear to me that if they could get a PPP to advance their project, they would be delighted to do so because they would see the benefits coming immediately instead of some years later.

While it has been a question of balance, the biggest investment has unquestionably been from the Exchequer on behalf of the taxpayer. In earlier phases, we got money through the European structural funds. That is the balance that needs to be struck but of course the M50 is unique. It started out, effectively, as a major ring road to bypass Dublin but has become a commuter belt. I am happy to inform Senators that in the near future I expect to receive major draft proposals from the NRA on its study of an orbital road. The orbital is not another ring road outside the M50; it is fundamentally different and aimed at allowing major traffic volumes to avoid Dublin altogether. That is the principle of the orbital project and we all look forward to seeing that when——