Peter Roche (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I acknowledge the extension of the last train from Galway to Dublin on Saturdays, which is now running at 8.50 p.m. as opposed to 7.25 p.m., which is a step in the right direction. It is important also to highlight the inconsistency in the service during the week. The last train departs at 10.25 p.m., yet on Saturdays, when demand for cultural and social events peaks, the cut-off is at the earlier time of 8.50 p.m. That is a little bit short of what is required to support cultural events. Now with the Galway International Arts Festival around the corner and many headline events coming up during the summer, most of which will be finishing at 9 p.m., we are missing the opportunity to support those local cultural events and the night-time economy. I ask the Minister of State and Irish Rail to consider better Saturday departure times so as to better accommodate those passengers.

There have been a lot of contributions today on the western rail corridor. The west is crying out to be opened properly by rail. It is 32 years since we had a freight service on that line and 48 years since we had a passenger service, which really tells its own story. Like many in east and west Galway, Sligo and Mayo, I am anxious to find out the timelines as to when it is possible that we would be looking at investment. The all-island rail review and the feasibility study indicated that there was no consideration going to be given to anything else except rail along that alignment. I am delighted to be the Minister of State's colleague from east Galway and that he is in the position where he can deliver this. The timelines are something I am anxious to understand.

See this speech in context