Vol. 521 No. 4
22 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has received the report which was to include a feasibility study on the reopening of the rail link to Midleton in east Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17284/00]
I understand that work on the CIE strategic review of railway commuter services in Cork is nearing completion and the report is now being finalised by the consultants engaged on the work.
A draft of the report has been received by my Department in the last few days. The consultants examined a number of railway options and concluded that there were good opportunities for developing the rail network alongside a supportive land use development policy.
While most of the options considered would not be financially viable the consultants took into account the wider social and environmental issues which arise. When these are factored in, a case can be made for the development of new stations and services and the re-opening of the Midleton line. However, the scope for such developments is critically dependent on the appropriate land use strategies being brought forward for the areas adjacent to the rail corridors.
In this context the Deputy will be aware that both Cork Corporation and Cork County Council are engaged in developing the Cork Strategic Plan 2000-2020. I would expect that the rail study will be fully taken into account in the formulation of this plan.
