Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that I have raised this issue with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport previously but I am looking for an update on the proposed Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport link. Limerick is the third largest city in the country and is expanding at an significant rate. Many companies have shown interest not only in Limerick but in the region. It is all about Limerick being the driver of the region. To do that, a proper transport system and connectivity between our airport and the city is needed. We have the second largest port in the country in Shannon Foynes Port so we need connectivity. While strategies for Dublin and Cork have been announced, there is no update about what is happening with Limerick.

On the previous occasion we had this debate, the Minister referred to the cycling strategy. This also needs to be included in the strategy. With Shannon Airport on our doorstep, it is important that we have proper connectivity between the city and outlying areas in the county because we are all part of one local authority with a population of approximately 200,000 and the city is growing at a significant rate. I hope the Minister has some good news for us because a public consultation was due to take place earlier in the year but there has been nothing to date. It is frustrating to see the amount that has been spent on BusConnects in Dublin, with developments relating to Cork to be announced, but yet there is no update regarding Limerick so I look forward to hearing what he has to say.