Vol. 568 No. 6
106 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he intends to carry out a review on the possible benefits and costs that will be involved in the development of the western railway line; if he intends to ask consultants to carry out a more detailed report or proposal; and the timetable for the review of this project. [16959/03]
134 Mr. M. Higgins 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. [16874/03]
150 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. [16683/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106, 134 and 150 together.
The recently published strategic rail review provides the Government with a policy framework for the future development of rail passenger and rail freight sectors in Ireland. The report's findings will have a positive role in helping to alleviate growing congestion, reverse ever-increasing car dependency, maintain economic competitiveness and prioritise balanced regional development.
At present, Iarnród Éireann is considering the review's findings and on the basis of it I expect the board of the company to present me with a prioritised rail investment programme for the period up to 2008 in the near future.
The western rail corridor was one of a number of schemes that was evaluated in the review. While it was noted in the report that this particular 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 thereof, satisfies rail viability requirements in terms of patronage and revenue generation.
