Aubrey McCarthy (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming in for this debate. I acknowledge that we have seen significant improvements in public transport and we want to focus on doing more. As we look to the future, there are several gaps in the public transport system in areas I am familiar with. One of the key areas I will highlight - Senator O'Loughlin will be familiar with it as it is also her area - is the Newbridge area, where the Leap card service does not apply. It is a growing town with a large commuting population, yet residents have been unable to avail of the financial and practical benefits of the Leap card system. Extending the service to Newbridge makes sense as it would ease the financial burden on commuters, encourage greater use of public transport and reduce congestion on the N7, which is a graveyard at certain times.

There is another issue in my area with the park and ride facilities at Sallins station.Investment in the form of an increase or expansion in the parking capacity to encourage more people to avail of park and ride facilities would help alleviate traffic congestion and help with our climate change targets. An investment, certainly in the Sallins area, would be an immediate benefit to commuters.

Another concern I want to raise today is the impending loss of the Aircoach service to Greystones, which ends on 2 March. This has been a crucial link to Dublin Airport for many Greystones residents. The bible of Greystones is the Greystones Guideand it published yesterday that this will leave many passengers stranded as it was a link for travellers, tourists and business people and now there is no direct reliable means of getting to the airport. If we are serious about promoting public transport and ensuring ease of access to our key transport hubs, we must look at reinstating or providing an alternative to that Greystones service.

I am limited on time, but these are some of the issues that need immediate attention. I urge the Government to take action on these matters, to make public transport more accessible, efficient and sustainable.