Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I had not intended to respond, given that this debate does not concern legislation. However, I would be grateful for your permission, a Chathaoirligh, to mention a few matters. I have been sitting here for almost three hours, during which time 18 Senators have contributed. I compliment them on as fine a debate on public transport as I have heard. I have made copious notes on what every Senator said. I agree with much of what has been said, although some of the suggestions could be problematical to implement. It would not be practical to go through all the matters that have been raised, but in due course I will respond to some of the common themes that emerged during the debate.

Given the recent economic growth and the way traffic volumes are increasing, it would make no sense to close railway lines. If we were to take that course we would regret it in years to come. At the same time we are pouring billions into constructing roads which are killings off railway lines in many areas. We are investing heavily in motorways and dual-carriageways, so people who might otherwise like to travel by rail are buying cars to drive on the new motorways.

The road and rail sections of my Department have now come together to provide a better planning focus. I want to state clearly that I believe in the railway system, although I am not entirely enamoured by the railway structure as it is currently established. I will be examining it closely in future.