Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

The Minister spoke of the western rail corridor. How can he justify half-finishing it to Claremorris by 2014, which is only one year behind completion of the metro? I accept that the latter is needed, and I am delighted to see it coming on stream, but it has not even been costed. The Minister costed the western rail corridor and will half-finish it to Claremorris by 2014. How can he justify that situation?

When I tabled my question to the Minister, half of it was rejected. A note came back stating that the Minister has no official responsibility to the Dáil regarding dual carriageways north of a line from Dublin to Galway, or completion dates for the Atlantic road corridor. I was astounded when I read it. Has the Minister abdicated his responsibility to the NRA? Who is the person responsible? If I want an answer, I need to know where the buck stops and whom I can ask if, according to the Ceann Comhairle, the Minister is not responsible. If the Minister does not accept responsibility for building roads, why is he there when they are opened?

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