David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I suggest that the Minister contacts one person who has been consistently right about transport matters and who is rather non-aggressive. He is not all pushy and does not really promote his own ideas but he is somebody who has a really clear understanding of the transport situation. I understand he is an adviser to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. His name is Cormac Rabbitt. The Minister should talk to Cormac Rabbitt about the possibility of putting in an orbital underground network even at this stage. Although a surface tram suits me perfectly, gets me here every day and is an excellent system for those people for whom it works, I pointed out in this House 25 years ago that one could not increase the length of a surface tram because of traffic disruption or increase the frequency of the tram whereas one could do both with an underground system. Recently, Luas tried to increase the length of its trams and it led to total traffic chaos and congestion. We told them that 25 years ago. I wish they would listen and in particular, that they would listen to the gentle and informed voice of Cormac Rabbitt.