Before we conclude, I wish to put the following statement on the record. As members are aware, we scheduled a second part of a meeting this morning to discuss the recent decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse permission for the proposed College Green plaza. Deputy Troy in particular asked that we would discuss this. We invited the National Transport Authority, NTA, and Mr. Owen Keegan, the chief executive officer of Dublin City Council to the meeting. Ms Anne Graham of the NTA kindly said that she would attend. Last Friday the committee received correspondence from Mr. Keegan stating he would be unable to attend. He kindly nominated two staff members from Dublin City Council to attend but stated these individuals would not be in a position to advise the committee on the likely council response to the decision and furthermore, that the city council did not wish to make an opening statement to the committee.
The committee considered this correspondence this morning. I can speak for all members present and put on record that we view this response from Mr. Keegan as disappointing and unacceptable. The committee feels there is no choice but to defer this important meeting until such a time as Mr. Keegan makes himself available to come into us, he will be more than welcome, and makes himself available to give a full and substantive response to the committee's concerns. I have asked the clerk to contact Mr. Keegan to arrange this. I apologise to Ms Graham and Mr. Hugh Creegan from the NTA for the short notice regarding today's meeting.