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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Jun 1990

Vol. 399 No. 10

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Mayo Rail Route.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

15 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will provide funds for a report and study on the tourist potential and feasibility of reopening the rail route from Westport to Achill, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have no plans to provide funds for a feasibility study in relation to the reopening of the railway line between Westport and Achill, County Mayo.

Would the Minister agree that there has been a very substantial growth of tourism in this area from here and abroad through a combination of State and private funding and that, in the context of boosting our tourism numbers and the tourist economy, a report and study on this scenic route would be very worth while?

Given the economics of rail transport, I do not think it would be helpful to raise expectations by going ahead with a feasibility study.

I agree with the Minister in regard to raising expectations, but in other countries private enterprise together with State funding have done a remarkable job in boosting local economies. If the Minister wishes, he has a chance to rewrite history in that there is the prophecy of the first and last train into Achill carrying only dead people. The Minister might want to leave his mark on Connacht by at least commissioning a study and report which, while not raising expectations, might provide spin-off opportunities in terms of tourist development.

I can tell the Deputy that my Connacht roots are deep, but I still cannot carry out a Westport-Achill feasibility study.

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