Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Professor Morgenroth referred to infrastructure in a wide sense, in the context of roads and so on. I would like him to comment on cycling, active travel and footpath infrastructure and the difference they make not only in rural areas but also in urban areas and in the context of liveability and air quality in urban areas. They are important as well. As a subsection of infrastructure, this can often be lumped into the general debate on roads. I was very struck by what Professor Morgenroth said about the frequency of transport and the levels of usage of our rail networks. Does he still think there is much to save on some of the rail networks we are due to have? He mentioned the M3 cutting across what had been anticipated to be a rail network reaching to Kells. Could he comment on the residual rail network we have let atrophy and the intensification of use? The Wexford line, for example, has two or three trains a day, and that is it. Could Professor Morgenroth comment on those and the national development plan? Does it need to be upgraded to be more compatible with the national planning framework and our climate goals?