Dáil hears Galway-Dublin motorway almost never happened due to projected lack of demand

The Dáil has heard that the Dublin to Galway Motorway almost didn't happen due to apparent lack of demand.  

The issue came up during debate on the development of greenways along disused rail lines - and whether such lines should be kept for future use. 

Deputy Eamon O' Cuiv noted that in 1959, the Harcourt Street rail service was discontinued in Dublin, and some land was sold because planners said there would never be enough future development. 

This, he told the chamber, is now the Green Luas line.  

And he recalled a similar forecast - and lack of forward planning - when the Galway to Dublin motorway was first looked at.