Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My next question relates to multimodal transport. Our rail and bus stations are quite well configured for transport at the moment but there are still certain inadequacies relating to car parking, e-bikes and short-term rental bikes. Much more could be done. For example, when you arrive at Heuston Station in Dublin city, there is not always a fleet of bikes at the nearby station. I came on the 7.40 a.m. train this morning and cycled to the Dáil. I drive from home to Limerick station, take the train and then the bike at the other end. I see many people do that each day. It does not all fall into place seamlessly if there are not bikes. The e-bikes were withdrawn around two years ago. There was some malfunction with the e-device. If it is to be truly multimodal and easy for the passenger or commuter, all the cogs of that have to work. Parking is also lacking at some stations. The new rail and bus station in Limerick is fabulous and things are really improved, but parking has been reduced. I know in the sustainable eyes of the NTA, maybe the car is the enemy to some degree, but if someone is going to make the effort to drive to a station then take the train, that should be encouraged. There should be plenty of car parking there.

I recently met Ms Graham's officials regarding the prospects of an increased bus service to Meelick, my home village in County Clare. That meeting happened with Councillor Rachel Hartigan and me. We want to see some action on that. There will be a report coming back to us in August. To explain our situation, we are a County Clare village about 4 km from Limerick city. All around us are incredible bus services, including the 303 service to Moyross every 15 minutes, the Caherdavin bus service every 20 minutes, and the Westbury service every 30 minutes. We have one bus in and one bus out each day. It is not good enough for a village that is just beside a city. I am raising a localised issue. Ms Graham's officials have looked at it. We have given them maps. I would love if she could, in her leadership role, drive this on a little and maybe give the people of Meelick a favourable response next month. I thank Ms Graham. I sense she is going to announce something. She was smiling there.