Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

On the section, I am not happy that my amendment was ruled out of order because of its financial implications and I will consider resubmitting it on Report Stage. The Minister of State might also consider the matter in the meantime. I made a point on Second Stage about unmanned level crossings, of which there are quite a number in my own county around Claremorris and Castlebar where a fatality occurred. With the growth in housing in rural areas, especially around large provincial towns like Castlebar, Ballina and so on, most vehicles, including lorries and tractors and trailers have become larger, heavier and longer. The Sligo line will be fully automated by the end of 2005 or early 2006 but the Castlebar, Westport and Ballina line is not supposed to be fully automated until 2008. A number of other lines throughout the country are no doubt in a similar position.

I thank the Minister of State for agreeing to examine the railway line between Ballina, Castlebar and Westport and stating that he would hope the automation of those unmanned level crossings would take place by early 2006. While I welcome what the Minister of State has said, my amendment would not be specific to an area and its intention is to promote safety. The amendment may have been ruled out of order because of the financial implications of its call for a shorter timescale than the estimated ten to 15 years for the completion of the automation process. I am particularly concerned about the Westport and Ballina line.

It is very important unmanned level crossings are automated because accidents are waiting to happen at them. We are lucky many more tragedies have not occurred. It is gravely important this issue is addressed. I hope the Minister of State will consider amending this section on Report Stage.