Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their contributions. I wish to raise with Mr. Meade the issues of access and affordability of rail services. There are two projects I will cite, one of which is in my area with the extension of the Navan rail line from Dunboyne, and the other is in the west with the expansion of the western rail corridor. Neither of these projects is included in the current NDP as existing projects.

Irish Rail has not mentioned them in its engagement on Review to Renew. Can Mr. Meade please outline where he sees those projects? I want him to give a commitment that Irish Rail will expand rail services across the State. I fundamentally believe that both of the projects have the potential to serve a great purpose in modal terms so will shift people out of cars and on to public transport. He will have heard about rail freight from the other witnesses. Can I hear his response to both of the projects, please?