Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that very comprehensive response. I am aware of, and am very pleased with, the significant investment already committed to the development of the greenway from Athenry to Milltown. Those of us campaigning for that greenway like to describe it as "The Quiet Man" greenway because it allows for users to cycle through Ballyglunin railway station, which featured extensively in "The Quiet Man" movie many years ago. That is a 45 km route along that disused railway between Athenry and Miltown.

Our ambitions are aligned with those who would like to see rail services opening up along that route. They are not mutually exclusive but are quite complementary. I am hopeful that this response from the Minister of State, and ultimately from the Minister, Deputy Ryan, is indicative of an intention to see this line reopened for public use in some shape or form.

Three options have been presented. There is the option of developing a greenway only, there is the option of developing a new rail freight and passenger service with the greenway alongside it, and there is the option of doing nothing. We are more than supportive of the first two options, as the Minister of State might expect, but we are deeply fearful that the publication of the report may result in the do nothing option. I urge the Minister of State to engage with the Minister, Deputy Ryan, to ensure this is not the case. The Minister of State may be aware that a number of weeks ago a US company, Dexcom, made a significant announcement of an investment of €350 million in its first ever manufacturing facility in the European Union, basing it in Athenry and creating 500 jobs during construction and 1,000 jobs on an ongoing basis. This is only the beginning of what is possible in that location in Athenry. To have people who work in that facility being able to commute either on a rail service or by bicycle would be a hugely attractive opportunity for the town of Athenry, for Dexcom and, indeed, for east Galway. This is an opportunity we cannot squander. I urge the Minister of State to actively engage with the Minister, Deputy Ryan, to ensure the do nothing option, which is the one I am deeply fearful of, is the last option that should be considered.

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