Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:199. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost, per phase, of reopening the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21204/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 28 April 2021
Ceisteanna (199)
Freagraí scríofa
Earlier this year, a financial and economic appraisal in relation to the potential re-opening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor, commissioned by Iarnród Éireann and conducted by EY economic consultants, was published and is available to view at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1174d-review-of-western-rail-corridor-phases-2-and-3-athenry-to-claremorris/
The proposed re-opening of Phases 2 and 3 was also subject to a short independent review commissioned by my Department and conducted by JASPERS, an agency of the EU / EIB, and that review is also available to view through the above link.
Finally, the Deputy will be interested to know that, in co-operation with my colleague Minister Nichola Mallon MLA from the Northern Ireland Executive, I have recently launched a tender competition in relation to a Strategic Rail Review of the rail network on the island of Ireland. This Strategic Rail Review will consider all aspects of inter-urban and inter-regional rail, including the potential for increased rail freight and I look forward to its commencement and completion in due course.