Vol. 533 No. 4
75 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the progress that has been made in relation to plans to re-open the rail link to Middleton in east Cork; the progress in relation to upgrading and developing the rail network and facilities in the Cork area generally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9131/01]
I understand that proposed railway developments in the Cork area are currently being considered by consultants who have been engaged by Cork Corporation and Cork County Council to draw up the Cork Strategic Plan 2000-20. The consultants have issued an interim report and this, among other things, contains proposals that the area along the rail-land corridor from Blarney via Cork to Middleton be rezoned for major residential and commercial development. These proposals have been put forward in the context of major rail development proposals which would involve the re-opening of the line to Middleton and the opening of a number of railway stations along the line.
It is my position that major public transport projects are best considered when they are developed in line with appropriate land use planning policy and practice which will justify their capital and ongoing operating costs.
The strategy being adopted by the consultants working on the Cork strategic plan accords, in principle, with this position. Further work needs to be done on the rail proposals, such as detailed cost-benefit analysis, consideration of funding options and passenger demand evaluation. I understand that work on these elements of the study is proceeding.
Meanwhile, I understand that Iarnród Éireann is progressing plans for the provision of a new passenger concourse and related facilities on the south side of Kent station and for the re-modelling of the trackwork and platforms in the station. I am informed that in developing its plans Iarnród Éireann is taking account of the rail development proposals of the emerging Cork strategic plan.
