Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I am glad to contribute to the debate and welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power. We are all aware that after the derailment in Knockcrockery in November 1997, the then Minister commissioned an independent review on safety. Like other Senators, I compliment the former Minister, Senator O'Rourke, who fought hard at Cabinet level for funding for her Department and to try to make safety an issue.

Listening to the debate on Transport 21 in recent days, I was amazed to hear people say all we have done is make a few railway lines safe. It is important to make railway lines safe. Over the years perhaps this issue was not given the attention it deserved by Iarnród Éireann and CIE. However, during Senator O'Rourke's and Deputy Brennan's time in the Department, a strong emphasis was placed on safety. For example, near Tuam, Iarnród Éireann sought to lift the line but only for the intervention of the former Minister, Deputy Brennan, we would not have it back. Thankfully, it has been included in Transport 21 in the context of the line from Ennis to Claremorris. We will press hard for that work to be done as quickly as possible.

I was in the House in 1975 when the decision was taken to abolish freight and passenger services on the Sligo-Limerick line. In Opposition, I fought as best I could to keep it open because I knew it was an important line which passes through my constituency. Unfortunately, the Government of the day did not see it that way, although I am thankful the line was left.