Gerard Murphy
Question:104 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to review the Strategic Rail Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13711/03]
Written Answers. - Rail Services.
Denis Naughten
Question:109 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to progress the western rail corridor in view of the Strategic Rail Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13704/03]
David Stanton
Question:110 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he has reached any decisions regarding the recently published Strategic Rail Review; his views on the reopening of the Cork suburban scheme; the probable timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13735/03]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:134 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport the timetable for the implementation of the Strategic Rail Review; if he intends to undertake further analysis of the proposed development of the western rail line in the report; and if there is a timetable for the undertaking of such analysis. [13660/03]
Kathleen Lynch
Question:137 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recently published Strategic Rail Review; his further views on the recommendations made in the report; if it is intended to implement the recommendations; the timeframe over which he views this can be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13676/03]
Paul Kehoe
Question:142 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the implementation of the Strategic Rail Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13710/03]
Tom Hayes
Question:147 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to progress the Limerick Junction-Rosslare rail corridor in view of the Strategic Rail Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13705/03]
Bernard Allen
Question:154 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the Strategic Rail Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13712/03]
Kathleen Lynch
Question:158 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport his proposals for a viability plan for the proposed western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13677/03]
Tom Hayes
Question:168 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to reconcile the discrepancies on the Strategic Rail Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13703/03]
Denis Naughten
Question:221 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the implementation of the strategic rail review report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14017/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 109, 110, 134, 137, 142, 147, 154, 158, 168 and 221 together.
The recently published strategic rail review provides Government with a policy framework for the future development of the rail passenger and rail freight sectors in Ireland. This will have a positive role in helping to alleviate growing congestion, reverse ever-increasing car dependency, maintain economic competitiveness and prioritise balanced regional development. Iarnród Éireann is considering the review and will shortly present a prioritised investment programme in light of its findings. The timetabling of various projects will be considered in the light of available Exchequer resources. An implementation group, containing representatives of my Department and Iarnród Éireann, has been established to ensure effective implementation of the review. The group is charged with monitoring the implementation of the investment and providing quarterly progress reports. I am not aware of any serious examples of discrepancies in the review. The errors that have been identified have been found not to be of major significance and do not undermine the report's important findings and recommendations.
The western rail corridor is one of a number of schemes that was evaluated in the review. While it was noted in the report that this scheme complements the objectives of the national spatial strategy, the consultants did not include it in their recommended investment strategy. The review found that a separate detailed evaluation of the western rail corridor, involving complementary land use and settlement policies, would need to be examined rigorously to ensure that the scheme, or any element of it, satisfies rail viability requirements in terms of patronage and revenue generation. The review lays down a challenge to those supporting schemes such as the western rail corridor to establish a clear and convincing case on economic, social and infrastructure grounds. As a first step, there are to be discussions between my Department, the Western Development Commission and the regional and local authorities to explore the conditions and circumstances that would be necessary to attract the required levels of rail patronage that would justify investment in the western rail corridor.
The strategic rail review also examined the Limerick Junction-Rosslare route. Given the route's poor results under the evaluation, it would require a significant change of circumstances to exhibit a strong case for this proposal. However, as I stated before, it now lies with the supporters of schemes such as this one to develop a convincing case.
The Cork suburban rail proposal was considered in the context of the recommendations of the Cork area strategic plan and the recently completed Faber Maunsell feasibility study. The strategic rail review's analysis affirms the positive conclusions of the feasibility study and noted that the rail proposal also complements the aims of the national spatial strategy. Iarnród Éireann is reviewing the Cork suburban rail feasibility report and I am awaiting its response.