James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

We were promised a modern rail system across the country and that rail links would be opened up throughout the country. Deputies O'Rourke and Kelly from my constituency promised that the rail link between two gateway towns, Athlone and Mullingar, would be opened up. We were also told the rail link in Killucan would be opened up, but nothing has happened. There is nothing in the programme for Government, as all the proposed ideas have been abandoned. The Government has carried on in a shameful manner. Now it is closing the barracks in Longford, which is vital to the local economy.

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