Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

It was good that the Minister abandoned the line because, if he had closed it, we would not now be able to restore it. An opportunity now beckons for the line, although it needs upgrading and new signalling and Moate needs a new station and platform. I am glad we have the chance to put our best foot forward by seeking a sizeable portion of the gateways innovation fund. The fund is a creative and imaginative idea and I have no doubt the Minister for Finance had a direct hand in its formulation.

What I am about to say is somewhat painful. It appears that some from the Opposition who were on the project team want to cast doubts on the project and, instead of rolling up their sleeves, are saying it will never happen. They are asking why they were not handed the money but I can only imagine the howls of outrage from those who seek properly designed projects if money were simply handed out. They would ask where was the accountability or transparency.