Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

May I ask the Deputy Leader if it is intended that the House will meet next week? There has been a suggestion that it will not meet next week. That would be an absolute disgrace, particularly when the other House is meeting. Such a body blow would undermine this House. I hope the Deputy Leader will clarify this important matter.

Phase 1 of the western rail corridor has exceeded all expectations. The railway line is on course to carry over 400,000 passengers this year. We are all in favour of the next phase of the project, when the line will be extended from Athenry to Tuam and on to Claremorris. I would like to know if the Deputy Leader can give us a timescale for that. People want a timescale. When is it starting? When will the following phase, as far as Sligo, be proceeded with?

This week saw one of the biggest movements by rail of Irish exports in quite some time. The goods in question were brought from Ballina to Waterford Port. At the moment, such freight needs to go from Ballina to Dublin and on to Waterford but when the western rail corridor has been completed, it will be possible for it to go from Ballina to Limerick and on to Waterford and Rosslare, if necessary. The railway line from Rosslare to Waterford is under threat from CIE, which is talking about closing it in July. One of the main aims of the Green Party should be to take freight from the road and put it onto the railways. It is an absolute disgrace that CIE is talking about closing the Waterford to Rosslare railway line at a time when we are trying to expand rail freight, which is a necessity in this country.