I am asking again. I have had more information since.
Sentiment score: 0.00
I welcome the opportunity to speak on what is important legislation. The Minister will be aware of some of the issues I will raise. The first one is, as the Minister himself said, that this Bill is to provide a clear legislative framework for the NTA to undertake the construction of public transport infrastructure projects, such as BusConnects. Will the Minister confirm if this legislation before us will cover the legislation that is needed to allow the opening of the M4 eastbound bus priority lane, which, as he will be aware, is a project spanning from Maynooth junction 7 to Leixlip junction 5 in County Kildare? The Minister will be aware that this would allow buses to use the dedicated hard shoulder to bypass congestion. The physical infrastructure is constructed, as we all know, but it awaits legislation.
Sentiment score: 0.34
What is done?
Sentiment score: 0.00
That is the best news I have got from the Minister today.
Sentiment score: 0.64
I thank the Minister. He and I will pose for a photograph.
Sentiment score: 0.18
The Minister and I will pose for a photograph after that. I will also mention that the Minister is also - I have spoken to him and the powers that be after he mentioned the need for more buses to get me into Leinster House early in the morning - looking at the N7. I spoke to the NTA last week about this and it is examining the issue. Perhaps the Minister can give us some more good news on the N7 project because it would make a difference to the car park it is. I appreciate what the Minister said and the legislation having been signed is very good news. In the short time I have left, I know the Leas-Cheann Comhairle will agree with me about the lack of train services from Kilkenny, Waterford and my home town of Athy to Dublin. The first train service from my home town of Athy is at 6.40 a.m. Unfortunately, a lot of people who come to Athy, and are very welcome to make their homes and families there, cannot get into work for 8 a.m., which is when they need to be there. That needs to change. We have spoken about how public transport can be a game changer for so many. Before I came to the Chamber I received phone calls from two people who were on a train heading to Athy and Carlow and were standing because all six carriages were full. I am sure the Leas-Cheann Comhairle would agree on the need to address this, given that the train is heading to Kilkenny as well. We need to improve train services. We need an hourly train service, something I have raised on previous occasions with the Minister. I thank the Minister for the good news he has brought to the House today. It is to be hoped the people of Athy will hear more good news in the coming weeks on hourly train services.
Sentiment score: 0.25