Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 19 June 2019
Committee on Budgetary Oversight
Fiscal Policy and Budgetary Planning: Discussion
Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I agree with what Mr. O'Brien has said about the importance of the C-shaped infrastructure outlined by Mr. O'Brien, along the western seaboard and back up into Belfast. We want a good road network and a decent rail network to give options to citizens. Reference has been made to the climate issue. The Government published its climate action plan a couple of days ago. It is actively exploring the possibility of banning petrol and diesel cars from certain cities. I am sure Galway will be included. That is where the opportunity for rail really comes in. There is an opportunity for commuter services to come from Mayo into Galway to try to get the congestion out of Galway. This would help some of the businesses represented by IBEC, including those in Parkmore that are facing major congestion issues. We have discussed this. It is an ongoing discussion every year. The industrial estates in Galway cannot get their staff or their products in and out. We need to take the cars out of the city. Rail presents an opportunity for us to do that. Does Mr. O'Brien support the western rail corridor? Will IBEC support the public consultation by putting in a submission to that effect before the middle of July?