The programme for Government makes a commitment to enhance public transport. There was a commitment to metro north by this Government and previous Governments. Will the Tánaiste outline whether the plan to deliver the project will proceed? Has the target date changed and will funding be a problem? The benefits to the environment would be significant as it provides a vital link to Dublin Airport, removing tens of thousands of car journeys on a weekly basis.

As we are speaking about public transport, the Tánaiste might be aware there is an issue with public and private bus operators in counties like my own, which do not have a rail network at all. Is the Tánaiste aware some local authorities are now putting in place additional restrictions on bus operators with respect to pick-up spots along main roads? We are trying to promote the use of public bus transport so does the Tánaiste agree such restrictions are ludicrous and that measures should be put in place to increase the number of stops along main roads rather than reduce them?

The programme for Government commits to making the metro link happen. I know it has been promised for a long time and I want this to be the Government that at least gets construction under way. It is targeted for 2023 but I will see the relevant Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, this afternoon. I know he is committed to it as well and very keen to see the project completed. I hope that by the time it opens Dublin Airport will be busy again. We would not quite need the capacity now even if we had it but we will need it in future.

I am not aware of the restrictions mentioned by Deputy Carthy being introduced by local authorities. If he wants to pass the details to me or the Minister, Deputy Ryan, we will have them examined. Of course, we want to encourage people to use public buses more but we want it done safely. I would rather see local authorities carrying out work to make this safe than putting in place additional restrictions.