Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 315: To ask the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider carrying out a joint feasibility study with Westmeath County Council to advance the Mullingar to Athlone railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter [18000/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The crucial factor to be considered in any decision to reopen a railway line, is the likely scale and pace of development 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 the Athlone to Mullingar line, the issue will be kept under review having regard to the matters to which I have already referred.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 316: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has received correspondence (details supplied); when he will meet the group involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18073/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department recently responded to a request from north Tipperary County Council for a meeting with a deputation from that council, Nenagh Town Council and the Mid-West Regional Authority concerning improved services on the Roscrea-Limerick rail line and inclusion of the Limerick-Ballybrophy line in the Shannon rail link feasibility study. The response indicated that, as the issue of service provision on the Roscrea-Limerick rail line is a day-to-day operational matter for Iarnród Éireann to consider, the relevant correspondence has been forwarded to Iarnród Éireann for attention and direct reply.