Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the publication of the Bill. There is a clear commitment in the programme for Government to reduce the number of State agencies or quangos. I never liked the term "quangos" because I understand that these State agencies play a role, but there can be cost savings and a more efficient use of public money from their amalgamation. The Government has a good record in ensuring that we have around 40 fewer State agencies. I welcome the Bill to dissolve the Rail Procurement Agency and to subsume its role into the NRA. The projects on the NRA website are all Dublin-based, which is fine, so it is a Dublin-oriented agency. We must look nationwide in terms of whether we need the agency to focus only on Dublin projects.

The future of rail is important and I acknowledge it as a vital part of our public transport infrastructure. Hindsight is wonderful and some decisions are taken that the State regrets. An example is the closing down of the old Connemara railway in the 1930s. If it was with us today it would be a major tourism asset in the region. The decision cannot be reversed, but there are plans for a greenway, which is an exciting cycle and walkway project, along the old railway from Clifden to Oughterard. It has gone through the planning process and the development of the line. The plan is to develop it to Moycullen and into Galway city. It is an exciting plan and we hope to emulate the Achill to Mulranny route.

West on Track is a body that strives to promote the old western rail corridor. A colleague of mine, Councillor Peter Feeney, was at the founding meeting of West on Track. It is heartening to see the increase in support to 38% for the use of the railway line. This is due in part to online ticketing, cheaper prices when booking online and the minimal increase in the journey time. We must look at what is possible through increasing the speed of rail, better marketing and better online booking. There is also potential to remove some freight from the Dublin area and to encourage the use of rail for freight to and from Foynes and Waterford ports. It may also be possible in Galway with the port expansion plans. There are also reports that the Athenry to Tuam line could be reopened for passenger use. This can be examined.

Section 12 states the NRA may use the new name "Transport Infrastructure Service". It does not roll off the tongue, and perhaps the Minister will consider a new name such as Transport Ireland, which is more memorable. I agree with the comments of Deputy Joe O'Reilly with regard to the role of the local authorities and their continued important role in road allocation, given the greater powers for the NRA planned in the Bill.

The Galway city outer bypass is a vital piece of infrastructure for my region and it will open up the west of Galway city and the Connemara area. It is hugely important to tourism, business and the people who reside in the area. It will remove unnecessary journeys through Galway.

It will improve the quality of life for the residents of Galway city as well, which is very important. I also acknowledge the ongoing work on the planning of the Moycullen bypass and tendering for the N59 upgrade on the approach to my village of Moycullen. It is a very important piece of infrastructure that I have been trying to push since I first came to the county council in 2004. It is near enough to my house and I hope the project will be included in a stimulus fund this year if there is to be one. I am confident that will happen. I commend the Minister, who visited Moycullen during the autumn and met residents along the road. I hope we can make progress this year.

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