Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 4

Written Answers. - Rail Network.

David Stanton

Question:

149 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the moneys, if any, she has made available to Iarnród Éireann to facilitate the re-opening of the rail link between Cork and Midleton; if so, the amount of money allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27326/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I have not made any specific moneys available to facilitate the reopening of the rail link between Cork and Midleton. All railway operational matters, including those related to the reopening of railway lines, are the responsibility of CIE and Iarnród Éireann.

I understand that the question of reopening this line was recently examined by CIE. The conclusion reached was that the necessary investment could not be justified in the short to medium term but that the option should be kept under review in the longer term.