Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. It is good news that this will happen before the end of the year. Many companies are considering investment or expansion in Limerick and the greater mid-west region. We need a proper transport system put in place as quickly as possible. I believe the Minister understands the importance of that, but it is also important to get it right. We need to be a counterbalance to Dublin, which is outgrowing its capacity. In view of expansion in the region, the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan link is most welcome. I would like the Minister to keep the pressure on to make it happen sooner rather than later. It needs to be announced as soon as possible and plans put in place to develop it in a proper manner that will benefit not only Limerick but the region.