Seymour Crawford
Ceist:88 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has any plans to re-establish a rail network in either Cavan or Monaghan or both; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20670/01]
Written Answers. - Rail Network.
Decisions in relation to the opening or reopening of railway lines are matters for the board and management of CIE and Iarnród Éireann. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that they have no plans to re-open rail lines in either Cavan or Monaghan. I am advised that the rail lines in these counties have been closed since the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The rail investment programme, which is currently being implemented by Iarnród Éireann as part of the national development plan, is the largest investment ever made in Ireland's railways. A major component of this investment is the Railway Safety Programme, 1999 to 2003, which provides for expenditure of £430.6 million on rail safety over that period.
The resources available for rail investment are limited and must be utilised so that the best value for money is achieved for the Irish public. Therefore, the investment programme is being implemented in a prioritised manner taking account of rail safety, customer demand and expected economic benefit.