Oireachtas

Government wins by eight votes on revised Luas Bill

THE Government reversed its surprise defeat by one vote last week on the Dublin Light Rail Bill, and the measure was passed with…

Wed Jun 19 1996 - 01:00

THE Government reversed its surprise defeat by one vote last week on the Dublin Light Rail Bill, and the measure was passed with a comfortable majority.

The Fianna Fail spokesman on transport, Mr Seamus Brennan, said the Bill introduced following last week's defeat contained only "cosmetic" changes. It made no provision for an extension to Sandyford, no light rail to Ballymun, and no provision was made for the integration with the DART and bus services.

The Progressive Democrats spokesman, Mr Robert Molloy, said railroading of the Bill through the House without debate marked the final end of the Government's claims to openness, transparency and accountability. Rather than reflect on the reasons for the defeat of the Bill last week the Government decided to "flex its muscles and push it through". The light rail system was not the right way forward for Dublin city.

The Minister for Transport, Mr Lowry, accused the Opposition of behaving disgracefully. They claimed in, the past to be in favour of light rail. Now they were "anti light rail and anti Dublin". The Bill, based on the Dublin Transport Initiative, was the product of almost four years of detailed work costing £2.5 million. It was urgent that it be discussed immediately as there were many critical decisions to be made within the next few months if a unique opportunity was not to be lost.

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EU funding for the project was tied into the time scale of the operational programme for transport 1994 to 1999. The project was being developed on the basis of a policy of openness and public consultation.

Under the Bill, he was taking account of the concern expressed by deputies during debate last week. "I have been conscious that while the original Bill was defeated there was in fact general support for the concept of light rail," he said.

The Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, said the Government's action was the worst case of a Bill being forced through the House without debate. Time was needed for consultation with community groups.

The Taoiseach, however, said it was important that the Bill be passed before the summer recess. The Government Chief Whip, Mr Jim Higgins, said extra debating time had been offered but was refused by the Opposition.

Over two, hours allocated to debate the Bill was taken up with procedural points and votes which the Government won by 76 votes to 68. When the Bill itself was challenged after being formally moved by Mr Lowry it was carried by 75 votes to 67. It was then referred to a Dail committee expected to meet over the coming weeks.