Vol. 567 No. 1
355 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the proposals he has for maintaining and upgrading the Rosslare-Limerick and Rosslare-Connolly rail link (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13394/03]
Iarnród Éireann informs me that the Rosslare to Dublin line is currently being upgraded as part of the national development plan and with European Regional Development Fund assistance. It is planned to renew 24 miles in the current year and complete the final 14 miles in 2004. It is planned to replace the rolling stock with new regional railcars within five years.
The strategic rail review examined the Rosslare-Limerick route and concluded that even with a much enhanced service, the major investment needed to upgrade services, estimated to be in excess of €200 million, could not be justified. The review goes on to state that potential passenger volumes are such that it is questionable whether additional investments should take place, particularly where competing investments of higher societal returns are available.
Nevertheless, my Department is working with the various local and regional authorities on the development of a future land use and transportation strategy to meet the needs of the regions affected over the next 20 years. Part of this work will include an analysis of future transportation needs. The outcome of this work over the coming months will inform future investment in transport, including rail. I await the outcome of this work which is being undertaken as part of the implementation of the national spatial strategy.
