Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

If something is not in the transport strategy, it will not get done, and I understand that. I will use DART+ West as a reasonably good example of something that does not make sense. Even if the project will be very disruptive in some locations, it will be brilliant to have the Maynooth line electrified. The railway order is with An Bord Pleanála. The NTA says the extension goes west of Maynooth. In fact, it goes to within 350 m of Kilcock train station but that is not included in the project because it was not in the previous strategy. It has said it will consider a separate process that could be bolted on to this project. That shows shortcomings in the strategy. It would make complete sense to do the project in one go but the NTA did not wish to open up the process because to do so could add to the project. I understand that.

I am not sure this is the most efficient way of doing things, in that there is no means to add something where it makes complete sense to do so. For example, they are building railway sheds in Kilcock to do all the maintenance. The train will be there, but people will not be able to get on it.