Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On many occasions, I have called for improved public transport for the Border region and specifically Cavan, Monaghan and Meath. Numerous Deputies have called for a rail line to connect Dublin and Navan. I have often called for the reopening of the rail line from Navan to Kingscourt. The rail line exists so this is not about building new rail line. It is about improving timelines for commuters. The vast majority of people living in Cavan, Monaghan and the Border region need connectivity to the capital city because, unfortunately, they must commute every day. I opened the Meath Chronicleto see that a Fine Gael councillor is applauding the fact Irish Rail will begin lifting the tracks to replace them with a greenway. This is not very ambitious for commuters. It is not very ambitious for public transport. It is certainly not very ambitious for climate action. I have asked the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for a feasibility study. Will the Tánaiste and the Government ensure no rail lines are lifted? It is terrible.

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