James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairman for her indulgence.

I welcome the Minister to the House. I have asked for him to be invited in here to discuss the metro. I would be pleased to hear what he has to tell us about the plans to continue the progress this hugely important issue.

I am a bit concerned about the comments that some of my Dublin colleagues have made about Dublin Airport. I do not believe that it is a case of Dublin Airport versus the regions. I believe there is enough traffic for both options to be developed. We must make sure that all of the job opportunities that arise from a further development of the airport are not lost due to short-sightedness.

I wish to make a final plea to the Minister for a study to be conducted on regional rail services. We now have an excellent road network that allows people to reach Galway in just over two hours so there is no incentive for people to take a train. Other countries have a rail system that covers the same distance in one hour. Therefore, an upgrade of the rail service and a study on same is required.