Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I praised Ministers for attending the Seanad to debate various Adjournment matters and I hope they will continue to do so, but they may be busy tonight. While I am delighted that the Minister of State is present, I hope Ministers will not forget about or get bored with appearing in the Seanad.

The Navan rail line is an important infrastructural issue, not only for Navan town or County Meath, but in terms of access to the north west. Last year, we were delighted when the first phase of the Navan rail line opened, resulting in 20 trains per day each way between the M3 Parkway Station and Dublin, passing through Dunboyne. In recent years, Iarnród Éireann has done a considerable amount of work in extending the rail line between the M3 Parkway Station and Navan. Numerous consultation events have been held, the attendees of which found them to be helpful and useful. I pay tribute to Iarnród Éireann for the extent of its public consultation.

A preferred route has been identified and the public in County Meath and the north east are waiting for a railway order to be presented to An Bord Pleanála so that the next stage of the process can go ahead and people can look forward to the rail line coming to Navan. However, serious concerns have emerged in County Meath, particularly in light of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar's review of spending on new road and rail projects. Many commentators and many people living in the area believe this review might mark the beginning of the end for the project.

My party's intention is to fight for the project. We delivered the first stage, proving the project can be done, and we intend to put as much pressure on the Government as is required to ensure the rest of the job is done. Recently, the Minister has refused to engage with the local authority and the local community. We appreciate that there is a spending review and that we are in straitened times, but we still have a capital budget and choices will need to be made by the Government. We want it to make the right ones in County Meath. The former Minister, Mr. Martin Cullen, received a cross-party delegation, which led to the first phase being opened. However, I understand that the current Minister has refused to engage. In terms of his review of these projects, it would be helpful were he to engage with the local community.

I would be delighted if the Minister of State said the project was going ahead or if there was an announcement. I expect neither, but I press the case for this crucial project.