Vol. 557 No. 4
388 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the proposals by Iarnród Éireann regarding the removal of the railway tracks and signalling connections between Athenry, Tuam, County Galway, and Claremorris, County Mayo; if it is a proposal of Iarnród Éireann that these lines be abandoned; and if the closure of the Athenry-Claremorris junction prejudges the outcome of the Government Strategic Rail Study. [22689/02]
I have been advised by Iarnród Éireann that Athenry is being re-signalled as part of a project to modernise the signalling system on the Dublin to Galway line. Design work has been completed for some time and installation work is under way at various stations on the line and is scheduled to be completed in mid 2003. Upon completion, passengers on the Galway to Dublin route can expect a significant improvement in terms of comfort, safety and speed. Adjustments to the track on the Athenry to Claremorris line have been made as a consequence of these signalling upgrade works. I have been advised by Iarnród Éireann that services have not operated for some time on the Athenry to Claremorris line. I understand that should services resume, the necessary adjustments at Athenry can be made reasonably quickly, at a cost of approximately €750,000.
The strategic rail review will provide the Government with a basis for establishing a strategic policy framework for the future development of the rail passenger and rail freight sector. I expect the strategic rail review will be published in late January 2003.
