Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

The Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, was here earlier. I am delighted he came to the House. He made an excellent speech in this regard. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon.

One of the most important points made by the Minister was the underspending of €650 million set out in the plan, although Exchequer funding investment in infrastructure in the region was just €240 million below the profile. We have time on our hands to get investment into the region before the deadline of 2006. That is the reason I suggest we concentrate on those projects that are ready to roll and can receive the necessary investment for regional development in the BMW area. One major project that will come to Government is the western railway corridor which should be reopened. A major investment of funds would be required to have it reopened.

Were it not for the input of the Leader, the then Minister for Public Enterprise, we would not have the existing railway system from Westport to Athlone. It was in dire straits as far as investment was concerned from a safety point of view. That rail line has been upgraded but the carriages have not been upgraded. The Government should invest in new carriages for that link out of the money that has been underspent. Those are the areas in which investment is required.

Horan International Airport at Knock was built by the late Monsignor James Horan in co-operation with the former Taoiseach, Charles J. Haughey. We stood by that project when others said it was a foggy boggy site and created Knock International Airport. More investment is needed in that airport to attract more business. I suggest that consideration be given to whether the €40 million can be given to Knock International Airport to improve existing conditions.

As far as schools are concerned, two school projects in my area, Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, Strokestown, and Elphin Community College, are seeking approval to invest in major developments of both campuses. That is developing the regions and the BMW area, particularly in a county such as Roscommon.