Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Deputy regarding the importance of this project and was sitting beside the Taoiseach when he answered questions about it in the Chamber. I have met the chairman of the working group on several occasions and have asked that the report be completed as quickly as possible. This is an important project containing infrastructural elements that can deliver good value for those in the region. I do not wish to pre-empt the report by speculating whether the development of the corridor should be staged by completing large sections one at a time. However, given the scale of the project, it is likely to be undertaken in major phases.

The ten-year financial framework announced by the Minister for Finance for my Department represents a colossal amount of money. There is no doubt the resources are there for this project, albeit in competition with other important rail, bus and road projects. I have given much attention to this project and have had numerous discussions in this regard. I will make a final assessment in this matter when I receive the report of the working group.

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