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

I thank the witnesses for their opening statement. In terms of enhanced regional accessibility, this is an all-island plan and, when we look to the west and the north-west, it has been a function of political priorities and politics and investment over years. Does Irish Rail have ambition in its submission? Has it made commentary on rail services in that region? Has it worked with colleagues in Translink on that? We literally have one cross-Border rail line. Does Irish Rail envisage that changing and, if so, what might it look like? I have heard talk of the continuation of the Navan rail line to County Donegal, for example. I have heard other commentary, including from the Minister at one of our meetings last week, about the possibility of a spur at Newry with the line going across that way. Does Mr. Meade have an opinion on that?

What has been the experience so far on rail freight? Did Irish Rail reopen rail freight to Dublin Port and then close it? What was the experience in that regard? How will it be different in the future?

Does Irish Rail consider offshore wind energy to be a driver for a new dispensation in rail, be that in terms of economies or freight? I refer in particular to the western economic corridor and the western seaboard wrapping around to the Port of Waterford. Is that on the horizon? I have two further specific questions. What are the prospects of opening the Killucan station in County Westmeath, which my colleague, Deputy Clarke, raised with me and which was in the news in recent days? Does Mr. Meade have an update on the Navan rail project?