I propose to take Questions Nos. 328, 331, 342, 348 and 365 together.
The proposed Shannon rail link was examined in the course of the Strategic Rail Review, which my Department published in 2003. The cost benefit and multi criteria analyses carried out as part of the review showed that the proposal did not perform very well in terms of net economic benefit and, therefore, it was not included by the consultants in the recommended investment strategy. However, the review was conducted at a strategic level rather than a feasibility study level and many interests in the Shannon region see the proposed rail link as bringing strong economic benefits to the region. As a result of this my predecessor as Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, requested Iarnród Éireann to undertake a feasibility study on the viability of this proposal in consultation with various local interests.
I have brought the matters raised in the letter referred to by Deputy Lowry to the attention of Iarnród Éireann. However, it is a matter for the company to decide what matters to consider when assessing the feasibility of the proposals. I will, of course, be happy to meet a delegation from Shannon Rail Partnership to discuss the proposal further and following its letter of 2 February, my office has already been in contact with it with regard to a suitable date for a meeting.