Unsurprising that Dublin is the 6th most congested city in the world

Unsurprising that Dublin is the 6th most congested city in the world – Tóibín

Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín TD has said that it’s “unsurprising” that Dublin was found the 6^th most congested city in Europe, and the 14^th most congested city in the world. The findings were published by the TomTom Traffic Index which details the traffic congestion levels in 403 cities worldwide.

Speaking today Deputy Tóibín said:

“It comes as no surprise to see that Dublin is the 6^th most congested city in Europe, particularly to those commuting to the capital from County Meath. At rush hour the traffic is at a crawl at the Meath Dublin border which is miles out from Blanchardstown. It is nothing short of commuter hell.

“For years we have been campaigning for a rail line from Navan – which is the biggest town in Ireland - to Dublin. An extension of the Dunboyne Line between Clonsilla and M3 Parkway Station was postponed in 2011 due to the economic and fiscal crisis. Although has regained strength since then, the NTA are refusing to develop this vital rail link.

“There is no continuous bus route from the centre of County Meath into Dublin. The range of bus services badly needs to be expanded to service the rapidly growing population of the county.

“Traffic chaos in Dublin is only going to increase. This could be alleviated by developing better rail and bus networks with the surrounding counties. We are fighting to achieve greater transport links for the people of County Meath as well as across the state. Nobody should not have to face this traffic chaos daily.”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.