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

It is to upgrade the existing rail line. It could be of the order of €200 million. The point I am making is that I agree with public transport but I do not believe these modes are mutually exclusive. The Minister spoke about the northern distributor road. He can ask anyone in Limerick or, when he comes to Limerick, go out to Coonagh and look at the road under construction and the benefits. It will have a bus corridor on it. That is why people are so interested. It is not just about public transport for the northern distributor road. It is a ring road around the city and will bring many benefits. It can be for public transport and there can be a rail system in the city. The commuter line can be upgraded between Limerick Junction and Limerick city. That will cut 20 minutes off a journey time from Cork to Limerick, ten minutes travel time and people will not have to get out of the train. It is similar with the M20. I do not believe any of them is mutually exclusive. They all bring about that balanced regional development.