Vol. 414 No. 9
128 Mr. A. Reynolds asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he will outline (1) the cost of upgrading Mullingar/Sligo rail line and (2) the level of EC subvention which would be forthcoming from the Transport Operational Programme of the Structural Funds towards the cost; and if he will consider replacing some less urgent project with this rail project or at least have it included in the next operational programme.
Iarnród éireann have advised me that the company will be examining all options for funding necessary expenditure on the Dublin/Sligo line in the short term. Expenditure on the line is a matter falling entirely within the day to day administration of Iarnród éireann.
The investment requirements of the overall network, including the Dublin/Sligo line, together with possible funding alternatives, including EC funds, will be among the issues to be addressed in the context of the proposed strategic study of the railway system which I announced in the Dáil on 5 December 1991.
