Eamon Ryan
Question:177. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the latest estimate for the cost of completing the restoration of the western rail corridor. [16928/19]
View answerWednesday, 10 April 2019
Questions (177)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware, both the 'Programme for a Partnership Government' and Project Ireland 2040 commit to an independent review of the costings for a proposal to extend the existing Western Rail Corridor (WRC).
In this regard, Iarnród Éireann has appointed consultants to prepare a financial and economic appraisal in relation to the proposed extension of the WRC and, as detailed in the published tender documentation, the expected duration of the consultants’ work is 20 weeks. This will involve appropriate consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
The findings of this review will advise as to the business case for an extension of the WRC. Project Ireland 2040 states that if the findings of the review are approved by Government, the project will be prioritised during the lifetime of the National Development Plan.