Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. I will take up where the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Haughey, left off in regard to the roll-out of infrastructure. One of the key issues affecting our lack of competitiveness is the lack of development of infrastructure, particularly road and rail infrastructure, which I will address with regard to the situation in my constituency.

For many years, bypasses have been sought for three towns in the area, Adare, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale, but we are no nearer their construction than was the case ten years ago. It is many years since the decision was taken to bypass Adare. A third examination is under way to try to identify the route of the bypass. Is this efficiency? There is serious gridlock, morning and night, in and outside the village, which has created frustration for those commuting to and from Limerick city from the west of the county. Not alone that, serious rat-runs have developed on the byroads around Adare.

Local people are extremely concerned for their safety and that of their children. When drivers leave the main road, they often do not observe the speed limits and driving standards they would if they were commuting on the main road. What is accepted as the most beautiful village in the country is clogged up with articulated trucks and heavy traffic, although 15 years ago it was expected that this traffic would be removed from the area. There are also major traffic hold-ups in Newcastle West and, in particular, Abbeyfeale, so that access to Kerry and other areas is being frustrated.

With regard to rail infrastructure, just three weeks ago the Foynes connection which serviced the town for 150 years was disconnected. The Foynes route was not being used but we were assured it was in a care and maintenance position, with a view to a service being reintroduced if developments relating to marine-type enterprises in Foynes, which we have long promoted, came on stream. That rail connection has now been disconnected.

We hear of intercity connectivity. We need more than just connectivity between the city of Limerick and Dublin and between Dublin and Cork. Areas outside these also deserve an opportunity to develop and deserve the infrastructure that would encourage people to invest in them.

I recently asked when funding would be provided for the Adare bypass but was told it was not a matter for the Minister. However, when I asked the Minister to report on the delivery of vital infrastructure projects, such as key road and rail projects, he had no problem answering. I was given the information and found that Adare was not included.

The Minister could have answered when I first asked the question. This is an indication of how the Government chooses what to answer and what to account for in the House, and this applies to several Ministers, not just the Minister present. If there is negative news, it is not the Government's business but if there is positive news, it is prepared to answer.

Public representatives come under much pressure with regard to the provision of broadband in our areas. While some broadband services have been rolled out by Eircom and other companies, there are large areas where the people are crying out for connectivity to do their business. The Government should make it a priority that a 100% broadband service would be available in every area, particularly rural areas, where people are now prepared to work from home using proper connectivity rather than sit stuck in long lines of cars.

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