James Browne
Question:1029. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a report (details supplied) will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4094/20]
View answerWednesday, 13 May 2020
Questions (1029, 1031)
Joe O'Brien
Question:1031. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the planned date for the publication of the independent report commissioned by his Department on the economic assessment of the western rail corridor from Athenry, County Galway, to Claremorris, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4168/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1029 and 1031 together.
As the Deputy is aware, Project Ireland 2040 committed to conducting an independent review toward evaluating a possible extension of the existing Western Rail Corridor northwards to Tuam (Phase 2) and/or Claremorris (Phase 3). Project Ireland 2040 also states that if Government accepts a proposal to extend the route then that extension will be prioritised over the lifetime of the National Development Plan.
In line with this commitment, Iarnród Éireann commissioned a financial and economic appraisal of the proposal and in late 2019, submitted a copy of that appraisal to my Department. As was signalled publicly at the time of the commissioning of the appraisal, and in accordance with the Public Spending Code (PSC), my Department is now reviewing the documentation that has been received and is engaging with Iarnród Éireann and the consultants as required. Again as has been stated previously and as indicated in Project Ireland 2040, the matter will then be brought to Government for its decision once this review is complete.