Pádraig Ó Céidigh (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Tá mé iarraidh ar an t-Aire Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt, An Teachta Ross, teacht isteach arís ar chúis eile. I support Senator Humphreys regarding MetroLink and its potential effects. The House needs to understand what the plans are and whether there is a plan B, C or D. I raise this matter primarily in respect of the Na Fianna GAA club in the Glasnevin-Drumcondra area. Cumann Lúthchleas Gael has roughly 1 million members, including 500,000 active playing members. Na Fianna has approximately 3,000 members, owns one pitch and is in active use of two other pitches. Removing its pitch will ruin its community and the GAA in the area for at least six years and the schools will be badly affected. In many cases, the GAA is the backbone of various schools' recreational activities. There are a number of primary and secondary schools in the area, including Scoil Mobhí. The club will appear before the transport committee after lunch today to raise its concerns.

I call on the House to support the Na Fianna club in the challenges it faces. As important as that, will the Leader invite the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to the House? I support Senator Humphreys's call in that regard. Senator O'Mahony, whom I spoke with about the situation this morning, also supports the call. He is able to speak for himself on the matter. Will the Leader invite the Minister to tell the House about the options as regards MetroLink?

Unlike some people, I am in favour of a proper rail system for Dublin's north city and county. We have the only international airport in Europe that does not have a rail link. We have been discussing this matter for the past 15 years.