Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I wish to revert to some of the points that have been raised. Currently, the Taoiseach, in common with the rest of us in the House, is experiencing the problems that have come with the explosion of development in Dublin, which has spilled over into neighbouring counties. There is a serious grievance at the other end of the country about the degree of underspending of such moneys as have been allocated. I want to ask the Taoiseach specifically about the western rail corridor. I heard the Taoiseach make positive noises, as the previous Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, did also. I have not noticed the current Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, do so yet, although he may have made positive noises. The people who are concerned about this matter want to see something tangible at this stage. They want to know if there is any reality behind the positive noises. Where are the reports that have been undertaken? In the Government's view, where is the presentation by the group lobbying for the western rail corridor deficient, if it is deficient? That group has been in existence for some time. Are there particular aspects of the presentation that need to be firmed up before a decision will be made? When is it likely that a decision will be made, albeit a partial decision on a phased basis? Will the Taoiseach indicate an approximate schedule for such a decision?

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