James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Robert Troy for tabling this motion. Many are asking whether the Minister, owing to his inaction, recognises the risks to public transport and the damage that could be inflicted in rural areas if he does not intervene. It is said he perhaps lacks a vision. It is becoming clear, however, that he has abdicated his responsibility and abandoned his duties, but he is very deliberate in doing so. It is very clear his inaction was not by accident. A pattern is emerging. The agenda is clear in that, for ideological reasons, he is prepared to downgrade public transport, rural areas and public sector workers.

In my county, Wexford, there has been a failure and refusal to publish the Indecon report on Rosslare Europort. Iarnród Éireann is prepared to shut down the railway lines south of Gorey and now we may lose the Expressway services. Thislaissez faireattitude risks inflicting untold and irreparable damage on rural areas. The Minister's Fine Gael partners in government seem to be prepared to sit back and allow him to do this but ultimately it is they who, at election time, will have to answer for any pain inflicted on rural areas. I ask the Minister to reconsider and intervene in this matter to ensure rural Ireland is protected.

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