James Heffernan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I concur with Senator Ned O'Sullivan's remarks concerning Charleville train station. I am familiar with it because it is the closest train station to me and perhaps the problem is that there is no train station in County Limerick since Kilmallock and Knocklong stations closed. Perhaps the Minister can look into this and deliver a train station for us.

I go along with the remarks of Senator Ned O'Sullivan and others yesterday during the Order of Business on the success of Irish horseracing last week in Cheltenham. It was a tremendous week for all involved in Irish racing, including owners, trainers, jockeys, stable hands, yard men and those who provide food. It showcased Ireland as the market leader in the field. We are the best in the world at this and the industry needs to continue being supported. The Leader is very familiar with the industry through travelling to point-to-point races in his previous life. A young man from an area not far away from where I come from, whose people live near me, has been a tremendous servant to Irish horseracing and has made a massive contribution in point-to-point and amateur riding. Mr. John Thomas McNamara suffered a horrific fall at Cheltenham and the thoughts and prayers of all involved in racing are with Mr. McNamara and his family, close relatives and friends. I speak for other Members in the Chamber in this regard. We send our best wishes to him as he begins a very difficult and long recovery.