Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

The strategic rail review report is comprehensive and took a long time to produce. Over ten years ago I participated in a protest march from Sligo and the towns on the Sligo line such as Ballymoate, Collooney, Carrick-on-Shannon and Longford. If that protest had not taken place and if 500 people had not come to Leinster House, that line would now be closed. No funding was put into it.

I am glad there is now a new line and that new stations have been opened. Unfortunately, however, the rolling stock on the line is deterring people from using it. On previous occasions I have complained that the rolling stock is 1960s Craven carriages and since last December have had to complain on ten occasions that there was no heat on the train. In reply I was told that there would be new rolling stock but that it would not be introduced for another five years at least. One can discuss consultants and their reports but if the basics are not provided, one gets pessimistic.