Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
1247. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of reports that funding from the European Investment Bank is likely to be secured for the extension of the M18 from Gort to Tuam, if he will consider making an application from his Department to secure funding to develop the next phase of the western rail corridor from Athenry to Tuam. [13329/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the "Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework", the next phase of the Western Rail Corridor, from Tuam to Athenry, has been deferred. Therefore, the question of applying for funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB), or any other EU funding programme, does not arise at this time. It should be noted that no EU funding, loan or grant was secured for phase one of the Western Rail Corridor.
Consideration of a new Government capital investment plan beyond 2016 will begin shortly and eligible transport projects prioritised under that plan will be submitted for funding to the EIB. Whether any heavy rail projects are prioritised will depend on the overall funding made available to transport for all modes, and within that, the funds made available for heavy rail. The priority for heavy rail post 2016 will be, as at present, the protection of the operational network and the maintenance of safety standards. If there are additional funds after that, and this is not certain, there will be competing demands between the opening of new lines, the improvement of existing lines, rolling stock upgrades, the upgrade of in-use train stations, as well as the opening of new train stations in different parts of the country. All of these competing demands will be subject to robust analysis and will require strong business cases justifying their value and demonstrating how they will significantly increase patronage on the rail network.
