The proposed new body to fast-track major national infrastructure projects will not be in place for years, Fine Gael leader Mr Enda Kenny said today.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, told Fianna Fáil's one-day ard fheis in Killarney on Saturday that he intended to create a national infrastructure board as "a one-stop shop - and a sole decision-maker for major projects of national importance".
Currently, local authorities and An Bord Pleanála control the planning process but time-consuming appeals and administrative dithering have led to costly delays in the completion of important national projects such as the M50.
Today Mr Kenny said there was currently no plan to bring the necessary legislation before the Dáil to give effect to the new body.
"Out of 143 pieces of legislation at different stages of passage through the Dáil there is no mention of the National Infrastructure Bill.
"That means that we are a matter of years, not months, from this solution coming on stream," Mr Kenny said.
Mr Kenny said the proposed agency was an attempt by the Government avoid its responsibility to deliver "tightly managed projects and planning".
Green Party leader, Mr Trevor Sargent said: "The Taoiseach cannot lay the blame for the delays and skyrocketing costs of many of these projects down to the actions of protestors or planning appeals.
Mr Sargent blamed the delays and cost overruns of the LUAS on "Government bungling and mismanagement".
He said: "At least three years was added to LUAS because of Government dithering".
The criticism follows today's news that the National Roads Authority (NRA) intends to spend 300 million upgrading Dublin's M50 including the problem Red Cow roundabout.
At a meeting last night, the NRA agreed in principle to opt for a plan that could cost 400 million less than the one originally under consideration.
The mooted spaghetti junction option at the Red Cow will not be constructed and instead a "clover-leaf" system will be put in place.
A third lane will be added to the motorway between Sandyford on the southside to the airport on the northside.
The plan which has not been finalised, is not expected to interfere with the Luas.