Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion, the importance of which has been outlined by my colleague, Deputy Coveney. Thankfully, there has been a revival in rail transport in recent times, following its sad decline over many years.

I wish to speak about rail services in County Clare. When the railway line between Ennis and Limerick was downgraded some years ago, no services operated in the area for many years. The twice-weekly service that was started by Iarnród Éireann approximately 20 years ago was a good success. Approximately two years ago, the company put in place a continuous welded line on the track. The improved service on the line has been a marvellous success. The number of passengers carried on the nine daily services in each direction between Ennis and Limerick has surpassed Iarnród Éireann's expectations. The success of the service has led to a reduction in the number of cars on the road between the two places.

Another railway line in County Clare — the west Clare railway — was made famous by Percy French in the 1940s and 1950s. It was closed by a Fianna Fáil Government in 1961. The railway line was taken up and houses were built on it at the time. I was delighted to learn recently that a private investor had bought the old Slieve Callan engine which was on display at Ennis railway station. It has been sent to England to be restored and is due back shortly. The man in question has spent a great deal of money on it. The engine will be on display at many of the St. Patrick's Day parades in County Clare.

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