Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join others in welcoming the Canadian delegation to the Houses. I also acknowledge the sad passing of Michael O'Regan, who was a good friend to people in Leinster House and a very pleasant individual who certainly did not forget his Kerry roots. He was a proud Kerryman who was involved in the Kerry Association here in Dublin. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Like the previous speaker, I raise issues relating to rail transport. I know this is an issue that is close to the Leader's heart. With the resumption of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the instalment of Northern Ministers, we need to see the publication of the all-island rail review and subsequently its implementation, assuming it is positive towards certain projects such as the western rail corridor. There is huge potential in that project for towns from Athenry to Tuam to Claremorris and on to Sligo. It could be a game-changer for Mayo and for Galway as well as it would encompass improved rail services from Tuam to Galway city. There is significant investment taking place in and around Athenry as part of the Oranmore-Athenry corridor. The area is ripe for further advancement, industry and job creation.

Having an improved rail service from County Mayo will allow commuters to live in various parts of the western region. We often talk about balanced regional development. The western rail corridor is a perfect example of something that can be a catalyst for balanced development in the western region. It will also improve the circumstances in the rest of country because the more pressure that is taken off areas of growth, such as Dublin, the better. I hope we can have a debate in the House on the all-island rail review once it is published. I look forward to that.