James Bannon (Fine Gael)

There are several other lines which should be developed if the Government got its priorities right. There should be a central line for the midlands. The old rail line which linked Athlone and Mullingar should be redeveloped since it would be invaluable for the infrastructure of the midlands.

As a vague sop to the taxpayer, the Taoiseach announced a national infrastructure board to fast track major infrastructure projects. Without supporting legislation, this is just what it appears – a sop which will take years to come on stream. It is another empty Government promise without substance or basis in reality, like the many which were delivered in the run up to and since the last general election. It is a shame that the system has taken so long to deliver and that sections of it need to be put on stilts.