In regard to the completion of the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor, I refer the Deputy to my answer given to PQs 201 and 202 on Wednesday 14th of the present month. The position remains unchanged.
The audit of the business case for the reintroduction of passenger rail services between Ennis and Athenry undertaken by Goodbody Economic Consultants in 2006 included an analysis of Irish Rail projections for passenger numbers and operating costs. This is published on the Transport 21 website of my Department:
at:http://www.transport21.ie/Publications/upload/File/Reintro%20Ennis%20to%20Athenry.pdf
The funding of the operation of the Western Rail Corridor, taking account of projected passenger traffic and operational costs, is a matter for Irish Rail in the context of its overall operations, having regard to funding available to it from fare revenue and the annual Exchequer public service obligation payment.