Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I join Senator O'Toole and others who expressed concern about the imminent decision of Iarnród Éireann in relation to freight. I come from a county that has fought strenuously for employment over a number of years and has succeeded to some modest degree. The first breakthrough was in the mid-1990s with the establishment of the Masonite company. Many Senators who travel on the N4 through Carrick-on-Shannon to Sligo will be familiar with this company that employs more than 300 people. It is the second largest employer in the county.

I received a letter this morning addressed to John Lynch of Iarnród Éireann, in which there is a threat of the imminent closure of the railhead at Longford. This would result not only in more than 3,000 road movements on to the N4, but would also mean a loss of €500,000 to Iarnród Éireann and all of the subsequent downsizing if there is, as indicated by this letter to Mr. Lynch, a decision to close down freight traffic.

I am as emotional and passionate about this issue as Senator O'Toole, who can rise to the very heights on occasions in this House. While I might not be able to compete with him, I want to convey to you—