Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister to the House and I compliment him for bringing forward this Bill which has been a long time coming. I may not be able to speak very well today as I am hoarse but I will do my best.

There is a need for such a body as the Dublin Transport Authority. A network of quangos have been dealing with the issues to do with Dublin Bus, Luas the metro and no decision was being made nor was anybody accountable. This Bill will bring everything together and create a nucleus.

The Minister said we must revisit the planning legislation to see how the local authorities can work with the transport authority. We have talked about the erosion of power from local authority councillors. This Bill is a golden opportunity to strengthen the strategic policy committee with regard to transport. The membership of the advisory council includes the Dublin city manager and the county managers, including those of the neighbouring counties of Meath, Kildare and Wicklow. The Minister stated there will also be regional representation.

The process will begin with the strategic policy committees and move out from there. If everything is right at a local level then the plan will work. When the Minister revisits the planning legislation and works closely with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, I ask him to consider giving power to local authorities to help bring about an efficient and effective transport system.

I have a lot more to say but I am unable to continue today. I wish the Minister well and I will listen carefully to other speakers. This Bill is well worthwhile. I will be interested to hear how its provisions will be implemented and co-ordinated.