Tony Killeen
Ceist:114 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the progress, if any, on the upgrade of the Ennis-Limerick rail line; if it will be completed prior to 2003; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6074/00]
Written Answers. - Rail Network.
I understand from Iarnród Éireann that work on the renewal of the Limerick to Ennis line has already commenced. This work forms part of Iarnród Éireann's railway safety programme 1999 to 2003.
Beginning this year, the company plan to renew 4.5 miles of track in each of the remaining four years of the programme. By the end of 2003, 18 miles of the 24 mile route will have been completed. It is planned that the remaining six miles of track will be renewed in the next five year programme.
Tony Killeen
Ceist:115 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will reconsider the provision of a spur rail line to Shannon Airport in view of the low capital cost relative to previous proposals. [6075/00]
I am aware that a consultancy report commissioned by Shannon Development found, among other things, that the feasibility of constructing a rail spur from the Limerick-Ennis line to Shannon merited further detailed study. Such a study would, of course, have to determine the cost both of constructing and operating the line. My officials recently met representatives of Shannon Development and the consultants to discuss the study.
My Department has indicated to Shannon Development that all the recommendations in the study might best be considered in the context of the Limerick planning, land use and transportation study which has been jointly commissioned by Limerick Corporation, Limerick County Council and Clare County Council.