Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I agree wholeheartedly with the Senator in terms of the aspiration. A step-and-stage process has to be adhered to regardless of whether it is pre or post Covid. Certainly, there has been a sea change. The reduction in fares by 20%, and 50% for young people, has encouraged and put far more people back on to our public transport network. It is critically important that we as a Government respond to that and provide the infrastructure, facilities and funding in order that Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann can meet the demand.

At present, there are no plans for the reopening of the station at Dunleer or to open a station in north Drogheda. Iarnród Éireann has assured the Minister for Transport that it will engage with any parties proposing such projects and will ensure that no action is undertaken that could preclude any future reopening of the station. That offers some assurance to the Senator that this is open for consideration.

As I said, a business case must be made for it. The Senator certainly put forward a very good argument this morning. The next stage lays with the local authorities, in particular. It is important to highlight it in this forum. It is critically important that we expand our rail network and expand the opportunities for people to use public transport.