Denis Naughten
Ceist:206 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the timetable for re-opening each section of the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12184/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 March 2007
206 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the timetable for re-opening each section of the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12184/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraTransport 21 provides for the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor between Ennis and Claremorris on a phased basis. The Ennis to Athenry section is to be completed in 2008, the Athenry to Tuam section in 2011 and the Tuam to Claremorris section in 2014. I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that preparatory work is underway on the Ennis/Athenry section with a view to commencement of track upgrade work later this year and completion of the section in 2008.
207 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans to re-open the Athlone Mullingar rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12185/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraA report by the Midland Railway Action group regarding the reopening of the Athlone to Mullingar railway line is being considered by my Department and Iarnród Éireann.
208 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 98 and 157 of 21 February 2007, where he stated that 15 miles of track between Limerick and Ballybrophy have been re-laid since 2004, his attention has been drawn to the fact that, despite this, there has been no improvement in journey times between the two points and that a permanent speed restriction of 25 mph continues to exist over the section of re-laid track; his plans to improve line speeds and journey times between Limerick and Ballybrophy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12203/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated in my reply to PQ Nos. 98 and 157 of 21 February 2007, the Limerick/Ballybrophy line is currently benefiting from a continuing programme of track renewal and level crossing works to enable the speed limits on the route to be raised. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that at present, 12 miles of the route, out of a total of 53 miles, is subject to a speed restriction of 25mph but that part of the speed restriction will be removed during 2007