Dáil debates

Tuesday, 24 April 2007

Air Transport Agreement: Motion

 

11:00 pm

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

As a follow-on to this, under the national development plan, I moved forward, as requested, more than €400 million to continue the completion of this major section of the Atlantic road corridor motorway between Shannon and Galway at the fastest possible pace. This is under way and a major tunnel under the Shannon is under construction also.

Deputy O'Sullivan raised the issue of the feasibility of the railway connection to Shannon. As she probably knows from her colleagues in Limerick, I did not go with it because the analysis, figures and economic case in the original draft were extremely poor. A different set of requests and questions were sought and these have gone into the mix. The local authority is dealing with it at present. I expect to receive the final report soon and it is hoped that it will be positive.

I believe a good economic plan is important and I will fulfil the commitment. There is nothing like meeting new customers face-to-face. In this case, the new customers are any city or airport in the United States. I have tried to get this message through to the people in Shannon for some time. Getting on a plane to the United States with a product to offer is what it is all about. One does not need billions or millions to do so. One needs energy, a plan and focus to do it.

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