Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

It is not often that those involved in bulk production want to move their product by rail. However, the beet growers in the midlands wish to do so because it is cost effective. There is a public interest in this. I urge the Minister for Transport to bring this matter to a positive conclusion because I do not wish to be held up behind slow moving, heavy beet lorries heading south from Portlaoise.

On the subject of environmentally friendly transport, I regret there are objections to the modification of DART stations, which will ensure that weekend travel will be impossible for several more months. This is another instance of An Taisce attempting to win friends and influence people. I urge An Taisce to examine other ways of making its views known.

I had an opportunity on Friday last to use a form of transport one hears about every week in this House, the western rail corridor. I travelled on the beginning of that corridor, from Limerick to Ennis. The service is excellent and well used, with eight trains per day in each direction. I would like to send this message to the Minister for Transport — are you right there, Martin, are you right?