Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply, the contents of which I note and am not 100% happy with. The Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, is talking about opening new rail links and lines the length and breadth of the country. He is even talking about opening a rail line between Ennis and Shannon, and between Shannon and Limerick. I welcome that and it is an excellent proposal. He is talking about utilising the rail link around Limerick city to create a light rail service. That would be welcome and I would support it. In this case, the infrastructure is in place, the property is owned and there is a structure in place. It would not cost a fortune and it would make a whole lot of sense, yet the Minister is telling us it is not being considered. This proposal should be considered much sooner than the opening of rail lines between Limerick and Shannon. It should be done first because, sadly and unfortunately, we all know we will wait a long time for a rail link between Limerick, Shannon and Ennis. This is something that could be done quickly. The people of County Clare, particularly in Crusheen and the surrounding communities, will be most disappointed with the Minister's response to this Commencement matter.