Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am a frequent user of rail. I have used the rail line to come to Dublin for many years. This is coming from a user as much as a politician. The service is highly punctual, staff are very good and broadband coverage has improved significantly but mobile coverage is still dire. If Mr. Allen is looking to encourage people to travel on public transport, the amenities must be there. Things have improved quite a lot but mobile coverage on the Dublin to Limerick rail line is very patchy. If Mr. Allen is looking to encourage people to travel on it for business and other reasons, the mobile coverage has to improve. One member of Mr. Allen's staff, Barry Kenny, would be familiar with this as it is something I have raised over many years.

On the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area strategy, where does Mr. Allen see the Limerick to Shannon rail link? We would like to interlink that with existing railway lines to create a Limerick metropolitan urban area which would use all the existing rail network in the city, out by Moyross, take the Galway line and do a spur from Cratloe or somewhere else to Shannon Airport. Where does Mr. Allen see that? His chief executive, Jim Meade, has been very proactive around these areas.

On the Limerick Junction to Limerick connection, a double line was laid but it is currently a single operation. It is one of the frustrating aspects that there was a double line there years ago and it was taken up. It is on lands owned by Irish Rail. Where does Mr. Allen see that progressing? My understanding is it would cut journey times by 15 minutes from Limerick to Cork.

I am looking at the integrated model around the city. The Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport strategy is unique in that for the first time ever it links Limerick to Shannon very directly. I have always felt that is a key element that needs to be driven. I ask for Mr Allen's thinking around the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area network with the existing rail line, Limerick Junction to Limerick with the double rail line and the new spur off the line which will allow someone getting off the plane at Shannon get onto the existing Galway to Limerick line and be able to come to Limerick comfortably and to Galway. Obviously, I would like them to come to Limerick first. Will Mr. Allen give us a quick outline there?