Paul McGrath
Ceist:329 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if he has proposals to re-open the railway station at Killucan on the Mullingar to Dublin railway line. [29023/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 17 November 2004
Ceisteanna (291)
Freagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to a similar question asked of me in the House on 2 November last. The position has not changed since then.
I am informed that Irish Rail has been having ongoing discussions with the relevant local bodies and authorities regarding the re-opening of Killucan station. The existing station has no immediate catchment area and the discussion has centred around the possibility of housing developments which could improve the viability of the station.
The national development plan covers the period 2000 to 2006. While the mid-term review of the plan indicated a lower than expected spend in the BMW region, Irish Rail has, since then, commenced or planned a number of projects in the region. The network resignalling project that originally included Sligo has been extended to include Westport and Ballina. As well as the upgrade of a number of stations in the BMW region, Irish Rail also has plans for the automation of a number of road crossings along rail lines in the region. In addition, the rolling stock acquisition programme being undertaken by the company will result in higher quality services on all lines into the midlands and west.