The public inquiry into the Kildare route project was held from 24 January to 2 February this year. I await the inspector's report of the inquiry. Under the provisions of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001, the inspector acts in an independent capacity and it is a matter for him when he submits his report.
In making my decision on the granting of the railway order, I am obliged under Section 43 (1) of the 2001 Act, to consider the report of the inquiry as well as the submissions I received in respect of the project, CIE's application for a railway order, and the draft order and documents that accompanied the application. At this point, it is not possible for me to say what timeframe I will require to give these documents due and proper consideration.