Mr. Jim Meade:

I thank Senator Dooley. He asked a lot of questions and I hope I noted them all. I will try to answer them in the order in which they were asked.

In terms of Crusheen, yes, before the financial crash there was a plan to consider building a station at Crusheen but that never came to fruition as part of the first stage of the western rail corridor. We would state quite clearly that the responsibility for developing a transport strategy still remains with the local authority, as part of its county development plan and policy. Subject to a positive outcome from any appraisal they may make we would, in principle, support the development of a station at Crusheen. It will be necessary for the county council to arrange for the production of the required business case, as it is the authority with such responsibility. We would support the development should that occur.

On stations into Limerick, I am happy to say that we have made a comprehensive submission to the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, LSMATS, with the options that we see are viable for heavy rail as part of the overall transport offering for Limerick. We see the option of several stations between Ennis and Limerick: from Sixmilebridge in; a park and ride facility at Cratloe, if we want; stations at Moyross; and then stations further in as part of that overall development. We would welcome such developments. We have put those options forward as part of the LSMATS. I am sure that they will be taken into consideration by the NTA and will be subject to any final decision there. Whatever the outcome, we will be very happy to deliver those projects when they come our way.