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Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004

Tuesday, 2 November 2004

Questions (286)

Willie Penrose

Question:

354 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport the reason Iarnród Éireann has spent only less than half of the transport budget allocated to the BMW region under the National Development Plan 2000-2006; if he will support the re-opening of Killucan Station, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27036/04]

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Written answers

The national development plan covers the period 2000 to 2006 and while the mid-term review of the plan indicated a lower than expected spend in the BMW region, Irish Rail has, since then, commenced or planned a number of projects in the region. The network resignalling project that originally included Sligo has been extended to include Westport and Ballina. As well as the upgrade of a number of stations in the BMW region, Irish Rail also has plans for the automation of a number of road crossings along rail lines in the region. In addition, the rolling stock acquisition programme being undertaken by the company at present will result in higher quality services on all lines into the midlands and west.

I am informed that Irish Rail has been having ongoing discussions with the local bodies and the local authorities regarding the re-opening of Killucan station. The existing station has no immediate catchment area and the discussion has centred around the possibility of housing developments which could improve the viability of the station.

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