Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)

People say we should have light rail in Limerick and Galway. In fairness to the people who are advocating for that in Galway city, research was carried out. It has been deemed that it would be feasible in certain circumstances. What we need to do is prepare for it rather than saying we will do it. Let us create the corridors with buses first and plant the light rail on top. The way we can do it now is a lot simpler than was the case 20 years ago, in that there is light engineering. Works do not have to be as disruptive as when they where done in Dublin. You set the rail 18 inches into the ground and do not have to dig huge foundations. We have all of that going with us. We have a journey to take.

I am delighted that so many Senators waited for the debate. That demonstrates the interest. Senator Mullen apologised because he had to go. I do not know if I gave him any answers that he liked, but like everybody else, he is passionate. It is not just regional. It is an issue right across the country.

In the national development plan, €2 billion is allocated to MetroLink. That is in addition to what is in the budget for public transport. It is important to state that money is not being robbed from the public transport allocation. It is a stand-alone project, and it is important. If I dare say it, the project gives us an opportunity to press further for connections to Knock and Shannon airports. It is important that Senators keep that on the agenda, as I will.