Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This line has more to offer than I mentioned. It is worth bearing in mind for the future. I have given an example of how the location of the line works for the region. If services on the Ballybrophy line were aligned with those at Limerick Junction, it would yield an opportunity to link with the Dublin-Cork line. It makes sense; it is as simple as that. It opens up the region. That is what Deputy Stanley and I want, and that is what the people in the region deserve.

When I speak of Limerick Junction, it should be noted that the Waterford service has particular problems that also need to be addressed. Tipperary town is on the N24, the main route to Waterford, but it is clogged with traffic. One reason for this is the timetable for the Tipperary-Waterford service. It just does not suit people. The south of the county is poorly served by rail and the north of the county is also.

If the Minister wants rural Ireland to progress and work, he will have to commit to engaging personally with us and Iarnród Éireann on a vision for moving forward. Sixty years on, it should not take an extra 30 minutes to make the journey. It is absolutely crazy given all the money spent on the line.

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