Paul McGrath
Question:396 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the projected timeframe for the upgrading of the Mullingar-Athlone railway line. [20220/04]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
396 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the projected timeframe for the upgrading of the Mullingar-Athlone railway line. [20220/04]
View answerIarnród Éireann has informed me that it has no immediate plans to re-open the Mullingar to Athlone railway line. All available resources are currently being concentrated on upgrading the current InterCity network and replacement of rolling stock. The Strategic Rail Review recommended the re-opening of the line as a long-term proposal. The line is still in CIE ownership and can be opened at a future date.
397 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if progress has been made on proposals to reopen Killucan railway station on the Mullingar-Dublin rail line. [20226/04]
View answerIarnród Éireann has informed me that it has had some discussions with local bodies and the local authority with regard to reopening Killucan station. The existing station has no immediate catchment area and would be totally reliant on park and ride traffic which could be accommodated at other stations on the line. The company has raised with the local authority the possibility of housing developments which could improve the viability of the station. I am given to understand that discussions between the two are ongoing.