Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Were the Minister in a position to attend the House, he would be present. That he is not present is no reflection on the House or the Senator, as he has another commitment. As we all know, matters on the Adjournment can be raised in the morning, but Ministers can have other commitments. I welcome the opportunity to respond to Senator Keaveney and the House on the Minister's behalf.

Rail services to Derry are available via Belfast. The upgrading of Belfast-Derry rail services is a matter for the authorities in Northern Ireland. While it did not form part of the main agenda, the Minister mentioned it at the North-South Ministerial Council meeting last December and he understands that the service is being considered by the Northern Ireland authorities in the context of overall plans for the development of Northern Ireland's railways. Both larnród Éireann and Northern Ireland Railways are working on proposals to improve the Dublin-Belfast service in terms of frequency and journey times.

While I welcome that the Senator's Adjournment matter relates to the Derry-Coleraine service, the North-South Ministerial Council at its December 2007 meeting welcomed a presentation from representatives of larnród Éireann and Northern Ireland Railways regarding the Dublin-Belfast service. It noted the options for the development of the service, particularly in terms of increased service frequency, improvements to rolling stock and the elimination of speed restrictions. The council requested officials to assess the options and prepare a report for consideration by it at its next meeting in May. The subject will be on the agenda and there will be an opportunity to consider the Senator's matter.

In considering the case for improved Dublin-Derry rail services, it is important to bear in mind the improvements made in transport links to the north west generally. I first came to Dublin as a public representative from the far end of the north west for the county in 1981 when there was little funding available. Over the years, major upgrades of roads, such as the N2, N4 and N15 serving the north west, have been completed and more are planned. I am proud that, when travelling on the M1, the only town one goes through is Emyvale, then the inner relief road at Omagh and through to Strabane. While much remains to be done, it is important to focus on what has been done in recent years in terms of train, air and road services. Substantial support is being provided for air services between Dublin and Derry and between Dublin and Carrickfinn, Donegal's airport. These links are supplemented by extensive hourly bus services between Dublin and Derry, including nine daily services each way operated by Bus Éireann.

Further investment under Transport 21 will see improvements in transport infrastructure serving the north west, including the Atlantic road corridor linking Derry, Letterkenny, Sligo, Galway, Cork and Waterford. It is important to highlight the fact that the Government has agreed to make available funding of €580 million to provide a major upgrade of roads within Northern Ireland serving the north west gateway of Letterkenny and Derry. The project is being taken forward by the National Roads Authority, which has responsibility on this side of the Border, and the Roads Service of Northern Ireland under the auspices of the North-South Ministerial Council.

Progress has been made in respect of air links, roads and the Derry-Belfast line, but I take on board Senator Keaveney's strong case regarding the Derry-Coleraine route. She stated that, instead of it being necessary to secure CPOs for rail lines or property, it is a question of an upgrade. It would be beneficial for those from Donegal who would use the Derry-Dublin train service and not just the people of Derry. I will raise the various issues referred to by the Senator with the Minister. I can neither refute nor confirm the issue concerning the provision of capital funding elsewhere in the country, but I assure the Senator that the facts will be ascertained and I will ask the Minister and his office to provide them to her.