Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending and for their opening statements. I am very disappointed the Department has not turned up. I believe it sent its apologies and said the reason it could not be here is it is launching the all-Ireland strategic rail review. However, it is my understanding that is not actually happening today. I do not know what excuse the Department has for not being here. There are a number of issues but, to some extent, the overall question we are looking at will be answered by what is in that review. It is important the Department should be here. In the more general context, for example, for the Sligo-Dublin rail link, we are looking to see whether double-tracking from Mullingar to Maynooth will be approved. It is my understanding, and Mr. Kenny can confirm this, that Irish Rail is awaiting that review to see if funding can be put in place to do this.

There is an absolute need for that document to be put before us. I am horribly disappointed that, once again, there is a delay with this. There has been one excuse after another. Those excuses are all gone. In the context of today-----