Rail Network Expansion

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2015

Tuesday, 17 November 2015

Questions (625)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

625. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the impact the construction of the N17 motorway from Tuam to Gort in County Galway, together with accommodation and ancillary works thereto, will have on the recommissioning of the railway line from Athenry in County Galway to Claremorris in County Mayo, pursuant to the west on track campaign which, when re-opened, will provide strategic connectivity for freight from Ballina in County Mayo to Foynes deep water port in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40448/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The extension of the Western Rail Corridor was postponed by the Government in 2011. Under the Government's new Capital Plan "Building on Recovery: Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021", the priority for heavy rail infrastructure is to provide the necessary funding for maintenance and renewal programmes to bring the level of funding on the existing network up to the required "steady state" level. There will be no Exchequer funding to reopen heavy rail lines anywhere on the network.

The new Capital Plan includes a commitment that the Government will commission a feasibility study to examine options for expanding freight transport on the railways. The potential for investment in rail freight in the West can be considered in that context. 

In relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, I understand that an agreement is currently under negotiation between Iarnród Éireann and Transport Infrastructure Ireland with regard to the reinstatement of rail infrastructure in the event that the railway line should ever be recommissioned.