Mr. Jim Meade:

The Deputy makes a good point. The question is what is the best mix. There are a couple of pieces to that Shannon rail link. The study will probably happen next year and Mr. Muldoon's team will probably do it for the NTA. The question, first and foremost, is which is the best route into Shannon. We must get that right. The next question is about capacity. Another of the projects we did not mention directly is the double-tracking from Limerick Junction to Limerick, which would give us capacity and line speed. We can leave Dublin today and get direct services all the way to Ennis because we do not need to change at Limerick station. We stay on the same train, more people get on and the train heads away again. I fully agree with the Deputy that it is about getting all those elements right. As we double-track out to Limerick Junction and improve that route, we are creating more capacity and speed. I do not want to prejudge what the study will show but Cratloe would probably be the ideal location, or perhaps Sixmilebridge. That would need to be double-tracked to create capacity. Single tracks create restrictions and a need for passing loops. It reduces the frequency available. We certainly hope the spur is built because we want to operate trains and a railway. We believe the region would benefit significantly. It is not just about moving the people of Shannon and Limerick. There is a much wider benefit than just the benefits to the local area. That is going to be important.