Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I am advised that the report by the chairman will be ready in April. The Minister, Deputy Cullen, tells me he believes it will be in early April. We have been supportive of this all the way through. The report is to identify how it can best be achieved. There will probably be arguments about the viability of where the western rail corridor starts and ends. I have heard the arguments about whether Sligo is the best location, as Deputy Kenny said, but I am not an expert in such matters. As much as we can, it makes sense to support and engage in what is viable, based on expert advice. The finances for it are already with the Department and, from presentations we have received, I know it will be part of the ten-year rail plan. Therefore, provision has already been made for it. What is not clear from the discussions is where they should start, where it is viable and where it is not viable. It has been stated that technically the way to return to a proper rail link in the west is to proceed on a phased basis. I accept the Deputy is correct. I have not heard anybody being negative about the concept in the presentations I have heard in recent years. The only argument has been about where, when and what adds up. There is a real opportunity to get it done on a phased basis. The report which is due some time before the summer will come back with recommendations from the Department to the committee and then we will have to make a decision.

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