Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There has been a huge increase in rail passenger numbers, with great potential for further increases. However, rail services are lacking in several parts of the country. For example, in the north east the rail system is practically non-existent. In regard to connectivity in our main cities, I hope that the Minister shares my vision regarding the need for rail connectivity between Dublin, Cork and Limerick and Dublin Airport. The issue of cross-Border ticketing also needs to be addressed.

I took part in three sets of consultations on three different versions of Metro North, which if progressed would have made a huge contribution to employment and to a reduction in car numbers on our roads. The provision of connectivity to Dublin Airport would have resulted in a huge increase in the number of people using our rail network. The Minister said he is currently looking at six projects in this area, including Metro North and the extension of Broombridge station to Dublin Airport. It is vital that connectivity is put in place. However, that is a debate for another day.

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