Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Senator that there is no question of the interest in anything being left on the back burner. There is a fire burning brightly under many priorities and projects people and communities want to progress. In terms of the challenge facing me, Irish Rail is looking to progress rail opportunities. The National Roads Authority has very good road projects, not to mention our bus companies which have very good plans on how they can expand their bus fleet to meet the needs of our economy. We are trying to make the best use of the scarce funding available to us. Ultimately, I have to make a choice in terms of the forms of transport into which we put funding because they will all be competing for the same overall pot I then secure.

I understand the point the Senator has made. I am aware of the issue, and of the reports to which he referred. I hope I have described adequately the way in which we are trying to progress that kind of proposal.