Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019
540. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the western rail corridor review being carried out by a company (details supplied) will be published; the person or body which will conduct the peer review; and when the peer review will be complete. [43388/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Project Ireland 2040 committed to conducting an independent review of a possible extension to the Western Rail Corridor (WRC).
In line with that commitment an external company, as referred to by the Deputy, was commissioned to prepare a financial/economic appraisal and business case on proposals for extending the existing WRC from Athenry to Claremorris.
I understand the work is almost complete and I expect the business case will then be submitted to my Department where it will be reviewed in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code.
As stated in Project Ireland 2040 if the findings of the review are approved by Government, the project will be prioritised during the lifetime of the National Development Plan.
