Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, and the Minister, Deputy Cullen, for taking this Bill through the House. I also thank all Senators who contributed to the debate, especially Senator Paddy Burke. We had a lively Second Stage debate on the Bill but it was worthwhile. The Minister of State took on board some of the topics discussed on Second Stage and aspects of the amendments tabled on Committee Stage. I thank him for doing so.

The Bill provides for a number of measures, most importantly, barrier-free tolling, which will help relieve traffic congestion along with the other works that are taking place, especially on the M50. I welcome the fact that it will allow certain roads to be classified as motorways as this will raise the speed limit on them from 100 km/h to 120 km/h. The Bill is an important item of legislation and once again I thank all who contributed to it, especially the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher and his officials.