Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

Is no information available on the station there? I am delighted with the commitment in principle given by the Minister of State and his philosophy on the importance of rail transport, which I share. However, I am concerned about his comment that progression towards phases 2 and 3 is dependent on how well services on the Ennis to Athenry line do. We expect them to do very well. However, I was contacted within the past few days by constituents who are outraged by the proposed timetable. Five services are offered between Galway and Limerick at off-peak times, not at peak times. It will take one hour and 55 minutes to get from Limerick to Galway city. One could do the same trip by car in an hour and a half. It will be unfair if the reason the line is unsuccessful is poor scheduling by CIE. Will the Minister of State make a note of this and pass on the information to CIE? The one point in favour of West on Track is that there was unanimity that there should not be a partial opening of services between Limerick and Athenry. Everyone knew this would be a hot spot but services between Athenry and Tuam and Tuam and Sligo will be critical. Is the Minister of State committed to the entire project from Limerick to Sligo? Will he convey my concerns to CIE?