Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. He failed to acknowledge that in 2010 Ireland recorded the lowest proportional capital spend in the EU on infrastructure. In fact, in 2015 only 53% of the necessary maintenance was carried out. He spoke about increased capital secured in the 2018 budget, but this is still 31% below what is needed just to keep our infrastructure in a steady state condition. We need to be far more ambitious than talking about keeping our infrastructure in a steady state condition. We need to plan to ensure the right investment is put into the right infrastructure. We do not know, for instance, the status of the DART underground. The Minister spoke about new projects that will be carbon friendly. What is the status of the DART underground? It is critical infrastructure which will enable us to connect all of our rail lines.

Only two weeks ago, the chairperson of Irish Rail came before the committee. He outlined the gaping need for additional funding if Irish Rail is to make the necessary investment in infrastructure to ensure we encourage more people to use public transport such as Irish Rail. When will the Minister publish his submission to the capital plan so we can have a real and meaningful debate in the House on the issue and not just six minutes on a priority question?

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