Vol. 536 No. 1
32 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the progress which has been made to date in planning for the upgrading and development of the rail network in the Cork area; the possible timescales and costings of the various elements of these plans and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13268/01]
Consultants commissioned by Cork Corporation and Cork County Council are currently finalising a strategic plan for the Cork area, covering the period up to 2020. An interim report has been prepared which places strong emphasis on public transport to support future population development. The interim report recommended upgrading rail services on the Mallow-Cork-Cobh rail corridor and the re-opening of the CorkMidleton line, consistent with the National Development Plan proposals for the area.
The final report will be published in the near future and this will contain details of costs and phasing of the proposals. Both Iarnród Éireann and my Department will then evaluate the proposals as a basis for future rail investment in the area.
Question No. 33 answered with Question No. 27.
