A DEBATE on Dublin's proposed new transport system appeared to influence a change in the view of the Minister for Transport in the Seanad last night.
Following discussion on a private member's motion from Mr David Norris (Ind) who was supported by several Fianna Fail members, Mr Feargal Quinn (Ind) and Mr Joe Doyle (FG) Mr Lowry invited Mr Norris and his supporters to make a submission to him on their proposals.
These were outlined by Mr Norris as a combination of DART and light rail routes to the city which would link with a "metro" or underground system for the city centre.
In his supplied speech, which set out the detailed study of the Dublin Transport Initiative, Mr Lowry concluded "In a real sense we have reached the point of no return. The time for talking is over. Now is the time for action." However, in the chamber, he changed this to "The time for talking is coming to a close". Later, he invited Mr Norris's submission.
Mr Lowry was praised by Mr Norris for being "a minister who can think on his feet".
Mr Lowry set out the ad vantages of a system of improved roads, public transport and traffic management, recommended in the final DTI report, but Mr Norris said the effect of DTI "is to add to the chaos by turning the clock back nearly half a century and reintroducing a surface tram system in Dublin".
Several Fianna Fail speakers as well as Mr Quinn and Mr Doyle backed Mr Norris in his call for a unified transport system which would comprise a light rail over ground service in tandem with a metro or underground rail link for the of the city.
In a that was widely praised several speakers, Mr Quinn consultation process on problems and proposed solutions "is already showing up that businesses in the city centre are profoundly worried by the scheme in its present form.
"There is major concern in Dublin business circles that light rail, in its present form, will do more harm than good.
"There is abundant evidence, from other cities that the benefits turn out to be less than promised and the disadvantages are much greater than originally feared There is evidence that the disruption during construction phase can send many businesses to the wall. There is evidence that for businesses that survive, the construction phase means increased costs.
"There is evidence that the disruption during construction could seriously affect tourism. There is also evidence that the expected transfer of passengers from private cars does not take place and there is evidence that it is mainly people who use buses now who are the people who use light rail".
Mr Norris's motion urging the Government to inquire into the feasibility of an underground system before finally making up its mind was agreed.
The Leader of the House, Mr Maurice Manning, told the House there would be a one day debate on Northern Ireland next Tuesday.
The House adjourned until 10.30 this morning.