Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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73. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has received a detailed update from Iarnród Éireann on the condition of the railway line from Collooney to Athenry, covering issues such as the integrity of the permanent way in terms of embankments, bridges, culverts and growth along the line, lack of encroachment and so on; whether there is any significant difference in the state of the line north of Claremorris compared to the section south of Claremorris; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22042/24]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Did Iarnród Éireann do a survey on the line from Collooney to Athenry? Did it find any difference in the condition of the line north of Claremorris compared with the line south of Claremorris?

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I do not have an answer to the Deputy's question as to the survey work that was done. There are sections on the line from Claremorris to Athenry that will require some reasonably significant civil works. For example, roads have been built across the line in the intervening period. However, these issues can be overcome. I cannot recall the exact period in which the section from Claremorris to Collooney closed but I believe it was an earlier closure and the line would therefore not be as up to date. I believe there are large sections of the line to which landowners and others may now have access but, if that is not the case-----

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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It is not the case. The rail report-----

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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If that is not the case, it is all the better for us if we are to deliver a greenway on the line. The benefit of this is that it would preserve the line in public ownership. It is not included in the strategic rail review and the introduction of a greenway would not be hindered. If held in public ownership into the future, that line provides a potentially very beneficial future asset. However, it is not included in the strategic review and I do not believe that is to be reviewed.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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It was not included on the false premise that the line did not exist.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I do not believe that only the quality of the line was considered. There are so many different investment requirements that there has to be some prioritisation.

12 o’clock

If the line is, as the Deputy said, still intact and in public ownership, that would help and for it to be maintained in that way is the first priority.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We are out of time. Maybe a Topical Issue would be useful on that matter.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Good idea.