Railway Stations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2005

Tuesday, 31 May 2005

Ceisteanna (299)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

314 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take in order that the reopening of Killucan railway station will be included in the new ten-year transport plan; if the feasibility study which has been requested by his Department and Iarnród Éireann will be carried out; if his Department and Iarnród Éireann will contact Westmeath County Council with a view to having this matter progressed without further unnecessary delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17999/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I understand that the midlands regional planning guidelines, which were approved in mid-2004, do not include specific reference to Killucan railway station. It is imperative that a sufficient population is in place in the catchment area of a station to justify its opening. The present position is that Iarnród Éireann is in discussions with Westmeath County Council to establish if proposals for the development of the Killucan area will provide this necessary population growth.