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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 2

Written Answers. - Rail Services.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

123 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the routes to be assessed under the strategic rail expansion study which she announced recently; and if there is a time limit for the completion of this study. [4287/02]

On 28 January, I announced the commissioning of a strategic rail study the primary purpose of which is to provide a 20-year blueprint for the future development of the rail network in Ireland. Accordingly, the study will consider proposals from Iarnród Éireann as well as a number of rail proposals from various interests around the country. Among the routes to be assessed by the study are: a new service linking Blarney, Cork and Midleton; a link between Ennis, Shannon town and Airport and Limerick;a commuter service between Athenry and Galway; commuter service linking Colooney, Ballisodare, Ballymote with Sligo; a western rail corridor linking Sligo, Galway, Limerick and Cork; Athlone to Mullingar route.

The study will provide a strategic framework for future Government decisions on rail development over the next two decades and will identify priorities for investment. It follows a recommendation contained in an Iarnród Éireann report which called for the pinpointing of long range plans for the network. I will also shortly be inviting submissions as part of a public consultation process. It is expected that the study will be completed in the autumn and recommendations arising from the study will then be submitted to Government.
Question No. 124 answered with Question No. 71.
Questions Nos. 125 and 126 answered with Question No. 77.
Question No. 127 answered with Question No. 45.
Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 55.
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