Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Transport when a decision will be made on the proposed western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15557/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 41 together.

The working group to examine the proposal to reopen the western rail corridor was established by my predecessor, Deputy Séamus Brennan, in June last year. The chairman of the group, Mr. Pat McCann, chief executive of Jurys Doyle Hotel Group, submitted a report to me within the last 48 hours.

In the time available I have not had the opportunity to study the report in detail yet but it is clear that Mr. McCann has a positive disposition towards the restoration of the western rail corridor; a position that I have always maintained. I should clarify, however, that this is not a feasibility study; it is a report written by Mr. McCann based on the deliberations of the working group. I have no knowledge of or views on media leaks in relation to this subject.

The arrival of the report this week is very timely as it affords me the opportunity to consider its proposals in the context of the preparation of the multi-annual capital investment framework for transport currently under way within my Department.

I have asked my officials to urgently examine Mr. McCann's report to ensure that it is fully appraised in advance of the finalisation of the framework. It is in that process that decisions will be made in relation to the future of the western rail corridor.