Ross failing to deliver transport solutions for Dublin

Speaking at the Dublin Rathdown Labour Party selection convention for Cllr Lettie McCarthy, Labour Party Leader, Brendan Howlin TD, has said that the chaotic Government policy on public transport is due to the lacklustre performance of Minister Shane Ross who is failing to deliver transport solutions for Dublin.

Deputy Howlin said:

“Across Dublin and Ireland we are seeing increased traffic chaos, and a failure on the part of the Minister responsible to deliver real solutions for commuters.

“Two years in office has seen Minister Ross fail to deliver for Dublin Rathdown and for Dublin. The buck stops with the Minister responsible. His idea of seeing what commuters have to put up with was to get the 44 bus after 9am, when most people have already gone to work”

“The cack-handed way in which consultation was started for the MetroLink line is a case in point. The Ireland 2040 plan when announced caused great concern for a lot of communities along the route. We’ve heard about the impact on Na Fianna, but not as much about how it will sever communities along the Green line.

“After investing millions building Luas Cross City, the Metro upgrade will see a large section of the Green line upgrade to metro standard, leaving an isolated stretch of Luas from Sandyford to Bride’s Glen.

“On National Bike Week is a scandal that investment in cycling infrastructure is only 1% of the transport budget.

“Today we’ve seen again a classic failure of Ministerial competence. The National Transport Authority announced the first details of the €2 billion Bus Connects plan, but those residents that will be impacted have had no consultation or information on the plans.

“Instead of obsessing about the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, it’s time for Minister Ross to step up as Minister for Transport.

“These failures are why Labour is tonight selecting Cllr Lettie McCarthy as our candidate in Dublin Rathdown. She is a proven candidate, topping the poll locally three times in a row, steeped in her community, committed to finding solutions and a passionate advocate for the people she represents.”