Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1908. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport if he intends to re-open the Athenry to Tuam Railway line to passenger traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37803/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra1909. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport if he intends to open the Athenry to Claremorris railway line to freight traffic in view of the recently announced plans for the Port of Foynes and the potential for freight carriage on this line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37804/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1908 and 1909 together.
The Government’s programme for the funding of capital projects to 2016 is set out in the "Medium Term Exchequer Framework 2012-16 ".
Due to the overall reduction in funding for transport infrastructure the priority to 2016 is to protect investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. The limited funding available over and above this priority will only be provided for projects which are affordable, meet overall transport objectives and deliver the best return in terms of economic recovery and job creation. Moreover the ability to operate profitably and without the need of any subsidy would also be a key consideration for any new rail projects or extensions.
Phase 2 of the Western Rail Corridor, Athenry to Tuam, is being deferred for consideration in 2015, in advance of the next Public Capital Programme. The extension of the Western Rail Corridor from Tuam to Claremorris, ie Phase 3, for either passenger of freight services can only be considered after Phase 2 is completed.
In relation to the railway line from Limerick to Shannon Foynes Port any proposal regarding re-opening is dependent on proposals from the private sector to fund the necessary investment. It is not proposed to fund any such re-opening from public funds, as no such funds are available. The same is true for the re-opening of other lines for the purposes of freight traffic.
