Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

The corridor will encourage tourism and it will put smaller towns and villages adjacent to the rail line on the map. The greatest benefit is it will be more environmentally friendly because there will be fewer cars on the road. The corridor will also result in the provision of a new rail freight service which will take heavy goods vehicles off congested roads and it will be vital for balanced regional development. The corridor has my full support as it will deliver many benefits. I would like the Minister of State to confirm funding for the project is secure and to outline the timeframe for delivery.

The West on Track community campaign has worked tirelessly to promote this project and push for the earliest delivery. It stated in a press release on 10 October: "We also warmly welcome the decision to introduce an allowance per tonne for rail freight in line with climate change objectives". The group recognises the benefit of transferring freight from road to rail transport. I would like the Minister of State to confirm the security of the funding and when the various phases will be delivered, including Ennis to Athenry and Athenry to Sligo.