Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

This is the second time there has been a later date for Kilcock. The track was doubled between Clonsilla and Maynooth some years ago after extensive engagement with community groups. Kilcock was left out at that stage. The town's residents will rely on the Sligo line for commuter services, while the eight-shed depot that is being constructed is in Kilcock. It is across the road from a new housing estate on the Meath side of the town.

There is complete unanimity across the political spectrum on delivery of this project. People just cannot understand why its scope did not go further. The very same points were made about not being able to fit a double track when we argued for it all those years ago. It was fitted and is a very successful service. Some time ago, I received a reply that informed me it was not surveyed in detail. I question the information the Minister of State is being given on this matter. We get the population but we do not get the services to go with it, which is the worst of all worlds.

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