David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Catherine Ardagh and Senator James Reilly that there is an urgent need to discuss the question of traffic in the city of Dublin. Unfortunately, the city authorities, for many years, have used the infrastructure of the city as a weapon against the motor car. I think that is rather dangerous. In particular, it introduced traffic hazards that make driving dangerous, extended footpaths unnecessarily and put rows of spikes sticking up out of the ground. It is quite dangerous. What used to be three lanes has now become a cycle lane, a bus lane and one lane for traffic, and that one lane is constantly invaded by public transport.People living in the city are not allowed to have cars under these traffic regulations and we have a situation where the planning department is deliberately limiting the number of car parking spaces in new developments of flats. I strongly support the metro and have done so for many years in this House. Unfortunately, it was dumped through a lack of nerve but it is the only way to resolve the traffic problems.

I raise the issue of the gardaí, which was raised by Senator Terry Leyden. I also met them outside. Of the Garda stations the Government is considering reopening, I sincerely hope it reopens Fitzgibbon Street Garda station which is right bang in the centre of the biggest drug area in the country. It was closed and I was lied to in this House about it. I was told it was closed for refurbishment but it was not closed for refurbishment; it was closed, full stop. The gardaí are not terribly pleased about it either. I ask that Fitzgibbon Street Garda station be put on the list to be reopened as a matter of urgency.

The gardaí are excellent but are badly treated. Their pay was to be reviewed under the Haddington Road agreement but this has been consistently stymied by the Department of Finance. There is no working mechanism for industrial relations within the Garda. Its members' pay has been reduced time and again and has never been restored. New recruits are denied rent allowances, there are fewer gardaí with more tasks required and they are subjected to increasingly violent assaults. I strongly support the gardaí. It is dreadful to have a situation where they are paid so little. If one compares that to what the Luas tram drivers get, one sees there is a lack of real understanding of comparative need and respect in society. We should have respect for our Garda force, which does a really terrific job.