Jan O'Sullivan
Question:1020 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when he will release funding for a full feasibility study on the proposed Shannon rail link; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22851/04]
View answerWednesday, 29 September 2004
Questions (839, 840)
Written answers
The proposed Shannon rail link was examined in the course of the strategic rail review which my Department published last year. The cost benefit and multi-criteria analyses carried out as part of the review showed that the proposal did not perform very well in terms of net economic benefit and therefore it was not included by the consultants in the recommended investment strategy of the review. However, the review was conducted at a strategic level rather than as a feasibility exercise and it has been made clear to me that many interests in the Shannon region see this proposed rail link as bringing strong economic benefits to the region. Accordingly, I am asking Iarnród Éireann to undertake a feasibility study on the viability of this proposal in consultation with various local interests, similar to the study previously undertaken by Iarnród Éireann on the Cork-Middleton line.
Question No. 1021 answered with QuestionNo. 1001.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1022 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the draft railway order for the Kildare route project from CIE; if he is in a position to announce when the public inquiry into same will be held; if he will assure the public that funding is available to proceed with the Kildare route project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22856/04]
View answerIarnród Éireann is in the process of completing an application for a railway order for the Kildare route project, under the terms of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001. The Act sets out the actions I am required to take on receipt of the application and the related timeframes. I am required, within 14 days of acknowledging receipt of an application, to direct that a public inquiry be held and, within 28 days of acknowledging such an application, to appoint an inspector to hold an inquiry. The inspector decides the timing and location of the public inquiry. It is expected that most of the funding for the Kildare route project, if approved, will be provided by the Exchequer. My Department is discussing with the CIE companies a priorities investment programme in line with the multi-annual funding agreed by the Government in the context of the 2004 budget.
Question No. 1023 answered with QuestionNo. 992.