Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Mullins that this investment is a great boost for Athenry. It is also a marvellous boost for the west and a great endorsement by Apple which is very much environmentally friendly. Interestingly, the Irish climate suits such companies because savings are made in terms of cooling equipment and so on. The announcement is great news for Ireland. Many of the great companies have located here. We are fortunate to have them choose Ireland and we should build on that initiative.

I am concerned about an article in yesterday's edition of the Irish Independentby Paul Melia, the environmental correspondent, in regard to speculation, at this stage, about the axing of routes between the west of Ireland and Dublin, particularly Westport, which would result in fewer services for Ireland West Airport and Knock. Excluding Athlone the route affected will take in Kiltoom, Knockcroghery, Ballymurray, Roscommon town, Castlerea town, Ballyhaunis, Ireland West Airport, Claremorris, Balla, Breaffy Church, Castlebar and onwards to Westport. This is a very serious situation but one that should be clarified. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to come into the House and explain the matter. He is the Minister responsible for transport and has ultimate responsibility for Bus Éireann, a State company, and Expressway regarding subsidies which it does not receive.

In this particular case, we are in the unique situation of having a very strong political base in the west of Ireland. Perhaps the change of route is only speculation at this point in time. I hope it is.I appeal to the Taoiseach, the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, Deputies O'Mahony, Mulherin, McFadden, Feighan, the Cathaoirleach, as a long-standing politician from Castlebar, and all the other Deputies and Senators on the route to come together to ensure this service is protected. It is vitally important to protect this service for the west. Following the announcement of a major development in Athenry, the State may potentially reduce services to the west. We were promised Utopia when Deputy Kenny took over as Taoiseach but I am afraid it has not arrived in that part of the west. I hope he will use his influence and I hope all the Oireachtas Members and councillors in the region will come together to ensure this remains speculation. The story has been leaked to environment correspondents probably to put pressure on the Taoiseach and others to ensure funding is provided to retain the Expressway service between Westport and Dublin and I hope that will become a reality.