Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
1135. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the review of phase 2 Athenry to Tuam and phase 3 Tuam to Claremorris of the western rail corridor has commenced; if not, when it is expected to commence; the details of the appointed contractor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36751/18]
View answer1136. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the completion of the review of the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36752/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1135 and 1136 together.
As the Deputy is aware, both the Programme for a Partnership Government and the recently-published National Development Plan commit to an independent review of the costings for a proposal to extend the existing Western Rail Corridor (WRC).
My Department has been developing an approach for progressing such a review in line with these commitments, while also cognisant of the need for stakeholder consultation as part of the process.
I recently briefed Government on how I plan to give effect to the Government’s commitments in relation to the review. In this regard a process for an independent financial and economic evaluation of the WRC phase 2 is now underway that will also include broad consultation. I expect that Irish Rail and my Department will progress this over the coming months and I will then report to Government with the findings.
