Mr. David McGarry:

I am not up to speed as to whether Irish Rail has done public private partnerships but there could be a joint venture or some other form of co-operation, if not a traditional public private partnership. I am not up to speed as to whether Europe could fund part of a project to reopen the line, but it is a core port and it is something that would be looked at. It will be investigated and proposals will be made to Europe if it is feasible to do so. I do not think it is a pipedream and the rail link could bring industrial development to the area. My understanding is that concrete proposals are not too far away from being brought to the table to bring it to life.

The road network, specifically the N69 between Foynes and Limerick, is the responsibility of Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the State would largely fund such a project. I am not up to speed as to whether Europe could fund part of the road but the port has various plans and has secured funds from Europe under the CER programme as part of TEN-T. In due course it will make applications to fund further development of Foynes Port and up to 20% of capital investment can be secured from Europe for this purpose.