Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise, I had a prior commitment and had to go out for a few minutes but I have read Professor Reynolds-Feighan's presentation. I was not here for it but I read it. I will ask a number of questions. One is on rail. Professor Reynolds-Feighan has said that she does not consider rail transport to be commercially viable.

Is there anywhere across Europe or in the world where rail is commercially viable? My understanding is that it must be greatly subvented, regardless of where it is. Given the huge housing crisis at present, particularly in Dublin where there is a lack of supply, does the witness believe there is an opportunity, with greater public transport rail infrastructure, to start using commuter towns more successfully than we have in the past?

I note that the witness is very supportive of PSOs. I agree. There are many routes that will never be commercially viable and there will continue to be a need for State subvention to maintain a public transport service in many parts of the island. What are her views on the tendering of bus routes? How does she believe that will contribute to overall public transport into the future?