Amenities and resources in fast growing commuter towns are lagging behind the needs of the population, the Green Party said today.
The party made fresh calls on the Government to establish a taskforce to deal with areas which have found themselves in the capital's expanding commuter belt.
Party leader Trevor Sargent said the Greens were striving to redress imbalances by providing adequate services in towns.
Mr Sargent spoke to party supporters as he opened a new constituency office in Rush, north Co Dublin.
"Rush is a town that faces many of the challenges that are typically experienced in the other fast-growing commuter towns in this constituency and in other areas," said Mr Sargent.
"Local schools are not able to cope with the demand for places. "People making their way to the train station here are forced to walk on the road due to the lack of a footpath, and as a result of this lack of pedestrian facilities there have been fatalities.
"Sufficient sewage treatment facilities have not been put in place to cope with the rapid development of the area.
"Having only a part-time Garda station in a town with the population of Kilkenny City is completely inadequate. "Put simply, resource-provision for services are lagging behind the needs of the community."
Cathaoirleach of Fingal County Council and general election candidate, Mr Joe Corr, said the party would focus on ensuring that quality of life was at the top of its political agenda. "I am looking forward to serving the people of Dublin North from this office in my home town," added Mr Corr. "I think that with this additional office and with the possibility of two Green Party TDs in Dublin North, we will provide an enhanced service to our constituents."