David Norris (Independent)

I thank Senator Hannigan for sharing his time with me. It is very important, even though times may be difficult, that the Government keeps its nerve and invests in the long-term infrastructure of this country. We have had situations in the past, particularly with the metro, where it was clear that the project was the only logical, sensible solution that would effectively address the traffic congestion in Dublin city but it fell off the agenda because of economic difficulties. The Government must keep its courage on this one.

I am very disappointed, like other Members, that the time for the implementation of the metro has been extended by another two years. We must have absolute commitment on this project. While I am on the subject of the metro, much concern has been expressed about disruption to St. Stephen's Green. I understand that it must take place and I have lost a few votes by writing back to constituents and telling them that I am in favour of the metro and that the green must be dug up. However, it can be done in a sensitive way. I know, for example, in the Middle East that even mature trees can be lifted, tubbed, conserved and then put back in place. I would like a commitment from the Government that this will happen and that the disruption to St. Stephen's Green will be temporary and that the park, which is very much beloved by Dubliners and all Irish citizens, will be reinstated and there will not be ongoing, ugly disturbances. Any entrances to the metro station should be appropriate and, if possible, located outside the perimeter of the green itself. Having said all that, the metro is essential.

I suggest that the Dublin transport authority might take into account the views of Mr. Cormac Rabbitte and examine his Dargan project proposals. Mr. Rabbitte is a serious player in this area and has had very sensible ideas. Governments tend to catch up with him after the event. He has come up with a proposal that would provide us with more than the metro as currently outlined, would be cheaper and would be a fully integrated orbital metro network.

I spoke on the Dublin Transport Authority Bill in this House and was sorry the Minister did not agree to at least one of my amendments which related to the off-street parking of commercial buses, especially private ones. It is insane to have buses all around Mountjoy Square, for example, where there is a crèche and a children's playground. It is very dangerous and I do not see why there should not be a requirement on the bus companies to provide off-street parking for their fleets. The Minister responded that the provision existed in the legislation to which I respond that the wording should be changed from "may" to "shall", that is, the Minister shall require the companies to provide off-street parking because it is a public necessity.

We also discussed the issue of cycle lanes on O'Connell Street. If we are going to provide cycle lanes, there must be consistency and coherence. There is no point in having a cycle lane that starts at one point and then evaporates at a set of traffic lights. Cycle lanes and cyclists must be protected. I have been knocked off my bicycle not once, but twice on O'Connell Street, with the result that I do not cycle down it any more.

I raised a matter during the debate on the Dublin Transport Authority Bill but I know the Minister of State at the Department of Transport is a good Dubliner and may take it on board. This is a city of which we can be proud but not of the Dublin Port tunnel, to which Senator Ellis referred. While it has been effective in removing the articulated traffic from the city centre, its treatment is appalling. The entrance, which is one of the first sights of public note one sees coming from the airport, is ugly, amateurish and stupid. It looks like a bit of an old hoover that has landed from outer space. Why not address it properly and put it in a proper architectural context, to show that we are proud of it? Furthermore, when we are building the metro, let us not build cheap stations. Let us, for a few pence more in global terms, build decent stations which can be used as exhibition halls for reproductions of some of the great treasures we have in our museums.