Denis Naughten
Ceist:1246 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the plans Irish Rail has to reopen rail lines; the cost of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16635/02]
Written Answers. - Rail Network.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:1247 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans to promote the movement of freight by rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16636/02]
Denis Naughten
Ceist:1250 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the plans Irish Rail has to downgrade and upgrade existing rail lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16639/02]
Denis Naughten
Ceist:1252 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport when the strategic study launched by his predecessor on the future development of the rail service will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16641/02]
Denis Naughten
Ceist:1284 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the Limerick to Athenry and Claremorris train line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16701/02]
Denis Naughten
Ceist:1286 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if EU funding is available for the re-opening of passenger and freight services with a view to re-opening railway lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16703/02]
Jerry Cowley
Ceist:1305 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport the information he has received regarding the rumoured closure of some rail lines, particularly the Manulla to Ballina line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16837/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1246, 1247, 1250, 1252, 1284, 1286 and 1305 together.
Earlier this year my Department engaged consultants to undertake a strategic study of the railways. The primary purpose of the study is to provide the Government with a basis for establishing a strategic policy framework for the future development of the rail passenger and rail freight sector in Ireland. Thus the review will examine the long-term rail requirements for the country as a whole in the light of the emerging spatial planning and regional development policies and local land use and transportation studies. The review will embrace both rail freight and rail passenger services. The study is due to be completed by end-2002 and the recommendations arising from it will then be put to Government.
As part of the study my Department carried out a major public consultation exercise which resulted in the receipt of some 140 written submissions with regard to rail issues in Ireland, including re-opening of disused rail lines. These were the subject of further debate at workshops held in Limerick, Dublin and Sligo.
I understand that one of the submissions received relates to a proposal for a western rail corridor which would include the Limerick-Athenry-Claremorris railway line. These and all the other rail proposals received are being considered by the consultants and the results of their examination will be dealt with in their final report. The question of funding for new rail lines by the Exchequer, EU or from other sources will be considered in the light of the consultants' recommendations.
I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that it has taken no decision to downgrade or close the Ballina to Manulla line or any other railway line. Iarnród Éireann has not submitted any plans to me to re-open disused rail lines.