Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I again ask the Leader if there can be a debate on the western rail corridor. I am hopeful that when Mr. Pat McCann, chairman of the working group, reports next month, he will be able to recommend the re-opening of the line from Claremorris through Tuam and on to Galway. I am disappointed that Iarnród Éireann has not been positive about this issue. The company is talking in terms of improving the lines from Galway to Dublin and from Mayo to Dublin. We would all welcome such improvements but there is now the suggestion of an hourly service from Galway to Dublin. There are currently seven trains each way on this route and it is now time to consider the western rail corridor. I hope the success of the Limerick-Ennis line will set a precedent to allow Iarnród Éireann to make an early decision on the matter.

Yesterday, I met representatives of the NRA and other groups in County Galway. We were told it would take six years to bypass Claregalway, and the same length of time to build a new road from Tuam to Galway. We could have a new commuter rail link in six months if the go-ahead were given by the Government and CIE. I hope this action is taken and that the House will have the opportunity to debate the issue before the report is presented in December.