Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I join with other Senators in condemning the decision by Guinness to transport kegs by road as it is a retrograde step. Given that we are pushing for the western rail corridor and other developments, we should press for further development of the freight service. As Senator O'Toole said, obstacles have been placed in the way of all rail developments. People even had to fight tooth and nail for the western rail corridor. But for the presence of the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, in the Cabinet, the corridor would never have been sanctioned. I would like to see the timetable for the mid-stage to Claremorris brought forward from 2014. We should have a debate on this matter. Given that the timber industry is so important in the north west and there are timber mills along that line to Waterford, the industry would avail of the freight service. I hope this sector will be examined in conjunction with other goods such as coal, cement and Guinness.