Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Transport if Iarnród Éireann has carried out a feasibility study regarding the reopening of the railway line between Mullingar, Moate and Athlone; if, in view of the fact that two of these are important gateway towns under the national spatial plan, steps will be taken immediately to have the reopening of this line progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9653/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that Iarnród Éireann has not carried out a feasibility study regarding the reopening of the rail line between Mullingar, Moate and Athlone. The strategic rail review, commissioned by my Department and published in 2002, found that the Mullingar to Athlone line did not perform well economically when assessed as a "stand-alone" project but could offer significant benefits in terms of operational flexibility in the rail network as a whole in the future.

I am also aware that the national spatial strategy highlights the importance of enhancing the critical mass in the midlands region, by combining the complementary strengths of Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore as a gateway at the heart of the midland region, and states that it is important to build on the central location of the midlands and the key towns at the intersection of national road and rail routes.

Another factor which would have to be considered is the likely scale and pace of development of the midlands gateways and along the rail corridor in question. The greater the critical mass of population and economic activity, the more likely a sustainable case can be made for rail investment. I have already made it clear to local authorities in other parts of the country that it is for them to develop and implement land use strategies which would support the case for rail investment. The best practical demonstration to date of such an approach is the development of the Midleton rail corridor.

While there are no immediate plans to reopen this line, Iarnród Éireann will keep the issue under review having regard to the matters to which I have already referred.