Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman for allowing me to make a contribution and I welcome the Minister.

I wish to raise two issues briefly. Regarding the rail review, the programme for Government referred to ensuring services were sustainable into the future and meeting the needs of a modern economy. Specifically, that has to do with making Irish Rail attractive. I use Irish Rail, taking the rail link from Limerick to Dublin frequently. Two aspects of its efficiency and attractiveness are lacking - broadband coverage is dire and mobile phone coverage is worse. If we are trying to encourage business people and others who are able to contribute to use public transport, we must provide modern facilities. The PSO ensures that older people and other categories can get public transport around the country. I ask the Minister to raise these matters with Irish Rail.

The second issue is the need for a proper road network, specifically relating to a matter I have raised with the Minister previously, namely, the recommencement of work on the M20 motorway between Cork and Limerick. The fact that we do not have a proper motorway between the two largest cities outside of Dublin beggars belief in a modern economy.

It is also about making it attractive. Anybody who has travelled the route between Cork and Limerick by bus knows the hazards of going through Buttevant and other places. I have raised this previously but will the Minister consider reactivating the scheme in a small way, initially by reactivating the planning process? It stalled in November 2011. That would allow consultants to be appointed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland so they can get the process under way again. That could be done prior to the mid-term review which will happen next year.