Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise on the Order of Business, on what will be my last time to contribute in this esteemed Chamber, something I have advocated for my entire political career – the Navan rail line and the connection of M3 Parkway to Navan, the largest town on the eastern coast with no rail connectivity. Through political work I have done, political advocacy, the work of the public and submissions, we were successful in seeing the project included in the greater Dublin area strategy last year. Getting it on the list of policies to be delivered on was a huge moment. We have confirmation from Irish Rail that the planning process, the design process and the engagement with the public that will allow us to obtain a railway order, which is effectively planning permission, will now commence. The Irish Rail team is in place and consultants will be appointed. It is very important to deliver on the project so the public of Meath, including Navan, will be provided with the best service, which they deserve.

The principle of public service is something many have spoken about here this morning and this will again be in evidence as people seek election to the Dáil in the coming three weeks. I will not be seeking election to the Dáil, nor will I be seeking election to this House. I will be stepping away from public life. It has been my privilege to serve in public life for the past 25 years, since I was first elected in June 1999. As my friend Senator Malcolm Byrne so kindly said, we met at candidate training in spring of 1999 and have been friends ever since. In my public life, I have fought ten elections. I won election to local government on four occasions, and also to Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. I have had the privilege of working on local government reform in the Dáil and on the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill in this House. I saw the quadrupling of funding for sport, which is very important to me. I have worked on the Committee of Public Accounts and have worked with Senator Malcolm Byrne and Deputy Niamh Smyth on the media committee, which has worked on public service broadcasting in RTÉ.

I thank the people of Meath, including Navan, for trusting me to serve them. I thank my family, members of Fianna Fáil, all my campaign teams over 25 years, and my staff Christy and Mike. I thank the staff of the Oireachtas, including Martin Groves, who does such exemplary work, and Peter Finnegan, Clerk of the Dáil. Public service is the highest calling in society and it has been my honour to serve. Thank you very much.