Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps I might contact CIE about the possibility of a survey being carried out. I do not know whether the company uses Nescafe, Kenco or whatever but perhaps it might choose the best one and then introduce this on all of its services.

In the context of services, there is an important point to be made in respect of the land and assets of CIE and how these might be utilised to a greater degree. CIE owns a considerable volume of land and assets which are strategically quite well placed on the edge or in the centre of our cities and major towns. The properties to which I refer are fantastic but there must be a way to examine how they might be utilised to a greater degree. Senator Conway referred to the opening of retail facilities in various train stations and I completely agree with him in that regard. This matter is going to have to be considered, particularly as it could give rise to CIE obtaining further income. In addition, it could lead to services being provided in areas in which there is not currently a wide range of services available. We will also need to consider how the land banks attaching to the train stations in question might be used more productively for various other activities. I am aware that this is already happening in certain areas.

I have good news for the House on the issue of speed. I expect some improvements in this regard on the major inter-urban networks in the coming year. This will help facilitate an improvement in passenger numbers. There is also a need to examine the position in the context of integrated timetabling in the context of connectivity. Senator Conway referred to this matter in the context of catching the bus to Ennistymon. As someone who is passionate about the little village of Ennistymon - for reasons of which the Senator is only too well aware-----