Vol. 542 No. 3
43 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the feasibility studies which have been commissioned or will be commissioned regarding the possible re-opening of the Cork-Midleton rail link; the cost of such studies; the findings to date; the further progress that has been made regarding the re-opening of the rail link; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24320/01]
A study into the possibility of re-opening the Cork to Midleton rail line, commissioned by Iarnród Éireann, was completed in 2000 at a cost of £25,000 or 31,744. The Cork Area Strategic Plan, commissioned by Cork Corporation and Cork County Council, has also examined the potential for re-opening the line to Midleton and also for developing services to Blarney. While both of these studies are broadly favourable towards re-opening the Midleton line, they are strategic in character and what is needed now is a feasibility study that would examine in greater detail the prospects for developing such a service.
As a next step, Iarnród Éireann have now undertaken to carry out a feasibility study so that all aspects of this proposal, technical, commercial and economic, can be examined in depth. My officials have made it clear to the two local authorities in Cork that this commitment is contingent on the adoption by the local authorities of the land use strategy which complements the rail strategy in the Cork Area Strategic Plan. I understand the plan is currently under discussion by both local authorities.
Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 24.
Question No. 45 answered with Question No. 25.
