Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 53: To ask the Minister for Transport the plans he has to progress the western rail corridor in view of the strategic rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11010/04]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 106: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay in nominating a chairperson to the working group on the western rail corridor; and when he will do so. [12534/04]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 113: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will approve funding for the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10991/04]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 106 and 113 together.

The western rail corridor, WRC, was not included in the recommended investment strategy in the strategic rail review published last year primarily because it was not supported by complementary land use and transportation strategies. However, the review did conclude that the proposal was in line with the aims of the national spatial strategy.

The review further concluded that the viability of such rail proposals is critically dependent on the local and regional planning authorities incorporating the proposals into regional, county and local development plans. Specifically, what is needed here is the integration of transport proposals, such as the WRC, with land use strategies that could provide the basis for sufficient rail demand that, in turn, would make the economic case for proceeding with the proposal. The viability of all rail proposals, including the western rail corridor, is crucially dependent on the creation of sufficient critical mass that would justify the development of rail as the most appropriate transport option.

At the invitation of a number of the groups advocating the WRC, I have carried out an extensive tour of the corridor and visited many of the former railway stations on the line. My purpose in visiting the west was to meet and listen to those who are putting forward this rail proposal and to see for myself what is involved in the restoration of the line.

During my visit to the former railway station in Kiltimagh I said that I could see the potential of the WRC and that I would wish to provide every possible opportunity for the viability of the case to be brought forward. I am anxious to provide the proponents of the WRC the opportunity to put forward their case and to facilitate a thorough examination of the proposal. Accordingly, I proposed to establish an expert working group to examine the potential for the WRC and I will be announcing the composition, remit and chairperson of the group very shortly.

There has been no delay in nominating the chairman of the group. What is critically important in these situations is not the speed at which one makes an announcement but rather that the appropriate person is selected for the job. I am confident that we now have an ideal chairman for this group.

All the regional authorities are currently finalising regional planning guidelines as part of the implementation of the national spatial strategy at the regional level. One of the core issues that the western rail corridor working group will have to carefully consider is the extent to which this rail proposal is facilitated by the land use strategies emerging from these guidelines. Any decisions in regard to the western rail corridor will take account of the ongoing work of the working group.