Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
362. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the latest estimated cost of completing the restoration of the western rail corridor between Claremorris and Athenry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30990/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, 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 early last year and is available to view at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/1174d-review-of-western-rail-corridor-phases-2-and-3-athenry-to-claremorris/.
This report was 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.
As the Deputy may also be aware, the Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), will inform the development of inter-urban / inter-regional rail on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. It will set the type of strategic backdrop to rail investment in our regions and on our mainline network that the JASPERS Review noted was lacking.
We need this type of strategic analysis to inform our consideration of specific projects and in that regard, the Review will consider the potential scope for improved rail services along various existing and potential future corridors of the network, and that scope will also include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the Western Rail Corridor.
I expect to receive a final report in quarter 4 this year.
