Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 353: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will take steps to ensure that the railway line which links the two major towns in Westmeath, namely Athlone and Mullingar, is immediately re-opened; his views on whether such a reopening would by in line with the national spatial strategy objectives which advocate the linkage of the three gateway towns of Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore by way of infrastructural developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27035/04]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by Irish Rail that it has no immediate plans to re-open the Mullingar to Athlone railway line. The strategic rail review, commissioned by my Department in 2003, recommended the re-opening of the line as a long-term proposal. The recently published regional planning guidelines for the Midlands Regional Authority also adverted to the strategic rail review conclusions. The alignment is still in CIE ownership and can be opened at a future date if a business case can be proven and resources are available. In the interim both Mullingar and Athlone are well served with both commuter and intercity services.