Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply and acknowledge the positivity in it. It is imperative that Irish Rail delivers on an early morning train service from Dublin to Cork. A 7 a.m. departure time from Dublin is no longer acceptable or tenable. Notwithstanding the 14 daily services from Dublin to Cork, it is important we have delivery of that early morning train. The national development plan places Cork at its heart. Central to that is investment in an alternative to the car, which is public transport. If we are to complete that modal shift we need that early morning train from Dublin to Cork, which will serve Cork and its hinterlands.This would be economically positive for the region.

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I look forward to the all-Ireland review and to working with the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, on delivering this early morning train service from Dublin to Cork.