Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

This is my first opportunity to debate with the Minister on transport issues and I wish him well in his new portfolio. However, he has given a very short reply to my question. Will the funding for the western rail corridor, to which the Taoiseach referred in this House in reply to Deputies Kenny and Rabbitte, be ring-fenced? The report of the working group, which the Minister has said will be completed within two months, is expected to be very positive in regard to the development of the western rail corridor. Likewise, Iarnród Éireann has indicated a positive attitude to such a development.

If the project is approved, will the estimated €300 million in funding be available? If so, does the Minister expect work to begin on the project in 2005 and will it be completed in stages? There has been much talk of the Ennis-Athenry line, which will cost in the region of €30 million and will link Galway, Limerick and possibly Cork. Is there a timetable for the development of this route? The Department seems to be focused on its ten-year plan but some vision is required in this matter. Can the Minister get this project moving quickly?

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