Record on transport condemned

DAIL REPORT: The Government has had time and money to tackle chronic traffic gridlock in Dublin and the "pathetic public transport…

DAIL REPORT: The Government has had time and money to tackle chronic traffic gridlock in Dublin and the "pathetic public transport" but had "blown it", Fine Gael's transport spokeswoman, Ms Olivia Mitchell claimed.

Opening a Private members' debate condemning the Government for its "abject failure" to address the traffic chaos, she said the Government inherited a congested Dublin city centre, but now they were leaving office "the same congestion has spread to grip every village, town and suburb in the region".

Earlier during Public Enterprise questions, Labour's spokesman, Mr Emmet Stagg, said the cement facility at Wexford railway station had closed and 300 tonnes of cement would now be moved by road every week. However, the Minister of State for Environment, Mr Bobby Molloy said the opposition was "bereft of a clear vision" on transport. The debate continues tonight.

Marie O'Halloran

Marie O'Halloran

Marie O'Halloran is Parliamentary Correspondent of The Irish Times