Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

All of these capital projects have a labour content but it is clear that school buildings and smaller contracts in regional areas are of assistance to smaller builders. In that context, I refer to the energy efficiency programmes and what is being done in that regard. Money is being allocated by Government for the scheme that has been announced and I understand there has been a good response to it. That is an indication of what can be done for localised building-type projects whether it is for individual housing, group housing or school and health care projects. It is important to be mindful of that.

As the Deputy suggested, I will take up Project Kelvin with the Minister and see what exactly is the situation. I will let him know the position.

Rail is an important part of the Transport 21 programme. In the next few years in particular we will see a considerable investment in that area as outlined in the plan. I know the Deputy has a particular interest in trying to extend rail to his constituency and I have heard him articulate that on a number of occasions in the House. However, the priorities at the moment are to try to meet the existing commitments we have in that area. We will have a tough job meeting existing commitments rather than seeing what other possibilities there may be.

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