Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise two matters. The first matter relates to Brexit. Last week, I raised serious concerns about the threat of a hard Brexit and the serious effect this would have on the Irish economy. Yesterday, MPs in Westminster voted to invoke Article 50. A hard Brexit is no longer a threat but, in fact, a reality.

To compound the severity of this development, earlier in the week, the UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, stated there would be no special status for Northern Ireland. This means the likelihood of a hard border on this island has become far more plausible. Mr. Brokenshire's comments are of particular concern due to the unique position of Northern Ireland. It is the only part of the UK that has a land border with the European Union. This, along with the fact that the region voted strongly to remain part of the EU, means special arrangements must be put in place. Even the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, when in Dublin last week, acknowledged Northern Ireland's special position and pledged that there should be no return to the borders of the past. Having said that, the lack of any plan on how this would be achieved is a serious concern. That the Northern Ireland Secretary of State appears to be echoing the language of the DUP is frustrating. Adding to the difficulty is the cynical manoeuvring of Sinn Féin in the context of Brexit and the instability brought to Northern Ireland by the collapsing of the Northern Ireland Executive.

Our focus should be on dealing with the real and serious risks facing Northern Ireland, rather than seeking to use the issue to advance other larger constitutional arguments. Brexit is going to take a greater social and economic toll on Northern Ireland than on anywhere else in the United Kingdom. Given that it is taking place against the express wishes of the people of Northern Ireland, we need to see a far more constructive approach from the UK Secretary of State.

The second issue I wish to raise relates to the challenges facing our capital in terms of transport and infrastructure and the resulting daily ordeal many of us have in getting to and from our place of work. Unfortunately, since the economic downturn many of the capital's projects have been delayed or shelved – the same applies to projects throughout the country. In the capital, metro north has been delayed and the DART underground appears to be rather uncertain at present. I welcome the continuing development of the Luas cross city. I hope it will be a convenient addition to the transport services for those living in Dublin when it is completed.

Yesterday, however, I read with concern an article in The Irish Times. It stated that the future of the DART underground was in serious jeopardy due to the Government failing to provide funding to Iarnród Éireann for the rail line and a critical site for the development of the project on Pearse Street.

As many in the House will know, the proposed 7.5 km line would link the northern line to the Heuston main line, with new underground stations at the docklands, Pearse Street, St. Stephen's Green and Christchurch, as well as a surface station in Inchicore. The business case put forward by Iarnród Éireann outlined how the project provides an efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative to road transport. Moreover, it provides the capacity to enable growth within an otherwise constrained city centre. The cost benefit analysis from the report indicated that the project also offered high value for money.

When I read that a project of this importance was in jeopardy, it reinforced my belief in the need to have one person with responsibility for Dublin. Again, I reiterate the calls made by my party colleague, Deputy John Lahart, and others for the establishment of a Dublin mayor.

We have to look to the future and the quality of life for citizens living in a badly congested city. Where is the Government's vision for the capital? How bad will traffic congestion have to get before the Government realises that it must work to deliver capital investment projects like the DART, metro north and the underground expansion of the Luas?

I call on the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to clarify the Government's position on DART underground and to publish five, ten and 20-year plans for the infrastructure of our capital.