Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Can I ask the Taoiseach if the cross-departmental team discussed the progress being made under Transport 21, in particular, in regard to the four main rail projects, the Kildare rail project, the Cork commuter rail project, the linking up of the Luas lines and the extension of the Luas to Cherrywood? I am a firm believer in public transport on the basis that one can move more people per hour by train than by any other method of transport. Money has been allocated for these projects. I understand some funding has been drawn down and spent by the Department of Transport. Perhaps the Taoiseach would indicate whether that was discussed at the meeting, whether an update was given and what is the position?

Arising from that, did the cross-departmental team discuss other major issues such as the necessity for rail lines from Dublin to Navan, from Mullingar to Athlone and the western rail corridor from Ennis to Sligo? Perhaps the Taoiseach would give an update on these matters, in so far as the committee may have discussed them?

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