Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020
236. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question 664 of 30 June 2020, if he will provide an expected timeline for the release of the latest rail review report on the western rail corridor commissioned in 2019 in view of the fact the publication of the report is already delayed by more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28768/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware Iarnród Éireann commissioned a financial and economic appraisal of a proposed reopening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor, and, I can confirm that on 1st July my Department received from Iarnród Éireann a copy of the final report on the proposal. That report had been prepared in accordance with the commitment given in the current National Development Plan.
An independent review is currently being conducted by JASPERS, an agency established by the European Union and the European Investment Bank. JASPERS has vast experience in advising Member States and public authorities on regional development proposals, such as the proposed reopening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Corridor. Their analysis will provide a broader perspective on issues such as the potential wider economic impact, freight services, climate impact and a view on the potential for securing EU funds if it were to go ahead. I expect to receive their report very shortly.
I intend to publish these analyses as soon as is practical, however, in line with the Programme for Government commitment I will first bring the matter to Government.
