Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

I want to get the details of the tractor the Deputy is referring to because that would be a fair old tractor no matter where you are coming from. Without being flippant, the Deputy is right. The Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan is important. As he knows, the Government is very much committed to rural Ireland. This year's all-island strategic rail review made 33 strategic recommendations, which include a proposal to reinstate the western rail corridor with a connection between Athenry and Claremorris. In addition, the review also noted other potential developments, including improved rail service frequency between Mayo and Athlone through the building of more passing loops. The Deputy makes a good point regarding frequency, connectivity and speed. It is all about ensuring the west of Ireland benefits equally, as the Minister, Deputy O'Brien has referenced, for example, through the upgrades at Ceannt Station and Oranmore Station. It is also about the expansion of rural transport in County Mayo under Connecting Ireland. I do not have time to go through them but the Deputy will know the routes in County Mayo that have been significantly improved and which are seeing increasing passenger numbers.

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