Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017
572. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the independent costing and review of the Western Rail Corridor Phase 2 between Athenry and Claremorris for passenger and freight use will be completed; the group appointed to carry out this independent costing; the terms of reference of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42194/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra573. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken, including contact with local authorities, along the western rail corridor to ensure that no measures are taken to prevent the future reactivation of the western rail corridor for rail use as set out in the McCann report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42195/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 572 and 573 together.
The Programme for Partnership Government includes a commitment to provide for an independent costing and review of the Western Rail Corridor Phase 2 between Athenry and Claremorris for passenger and freight use.
The role of heavy rail in Ireland's transport sector is currently under review. The National Transport Authority, NTA, held a public consultation process to start a national debate on the current and future role of rail transport in Ireland. The public consultation process was launched with the publication of a Rail Review 2016 Report, which examined the funding required to support the heavy rail network now and into the future, together with a consultation document, "The Role of Rail in Ireland and Funding its Delivery".
Over 300 submissions were received by the NTA in response to that consultation process, which have now all been examined, and the NTA is preparing a report of those submissions, which I received in just the last couple of days and will now be examining.
As noted within the Rail Review Report, its analysis predates the finalisation of the National Planning Framework which is being developed at present under the leadership of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. Once agreed by Government, the approach which that Framework adopts toward land-use planning and settlement patterns for the country will have significant impacts on the potential of rail and other transport infrastructure and services into the future. No decisions have been made on future changes to the rail network, including any decisions relating to the western rail corridor.
Finally, as the Deputy has pointed out, the Programme for Government also commits that no measures will be taken to prevent the future reactivation of the western rail corridor for rail use. I will ensure that this commitment is fulfilled.
