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.