Jimmy Devins (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the work funded by his Department for the preservation of the right of way of the western rail corridor from Claremorris, County Mayo, to Collooney, County Sligo, has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7599/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Line clearance works between Claremorris and Collooney, as funded by my Department, commenced in October 2006. A sum of €5 million has been provided to carry out the works associated with the preservation of the railway line to facilitate its possible reopening at a future date. To date, €1.3 million has been spent, predominantly on hedge cutting and cutting back the significant overgrowth on the line. It is envisaged that the works will be completed in September of this year, which is in line with the plan as set out by Iarnród Éireann. Works are, therefore, proceeding as planned and in line with the budget and timescale set out at the commencement of the process.

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister for his reply. Would he agree that the landowners who have co-operated fully with Iarnród Éireann in the preservation of the railway line are worthy of our thanks? Does he agree that the railway line is of vital economic and tourist value to the west and north west? Will he outline the next stages in the reopening of this important infrastructure?

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy knows, over the years those who want to knock the project have always said that if we went to open it we would find problems with the right of way or the way even though it was owned by Iarnród Éireann. The landowners have been magnificent. They have co-operated with what has been very dramatic work. It has been amazing to see the railway line reappear from the undergrowth. Rail fencing remains to be erected. I am a great believer that good fences make good neighbours and that work is to continue.

Clearance work has already started on the reopening of the line from Ennis to Athenry. It is to be completed either next year or early in 2009. By 2011, it will reach Tuam and on the current schedule Claremorris will be reached by 2014. I would hope that, at that stage, the project would be such a success that we would then be in a position to continue the line further north.

Another strategic Government decision last week makes this more possible with the investment of an additional €27 million in Ireland West Airport Knock, which will increase the passenger numbers through the airport and further justify reopening the railway line north of Claremorris. At the rate of progress being made, I would be very confident that we will see a second phase to the western rail corridor and we will see the day when passengers can get on a train in Sligo, travel to Galway or Limerick, or get off at Charleston to go to the airport. Once Ireland West Airport Knock breaches the 1 million passenger barrier, it will need to be supported by other public transport. Everything is coming together.