David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 497: To ask the Minister for Transport the funding he has made available or intends to make available to enable the Midleton rail link to reopen; the total estimated cost of reopening the rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19429/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In May 2003, the Government approved the development of a commuter rail service for Cork, including the reopening of its Cork City to Midleton line, the construction of a number of new stations and the provision of park and ride facilities at strategic locations. Since then, Iarnród Éireann has been engaged in preparatory work related to the Midleton line and, I understand, has recently completed a technical study related to its construction. The company expects to be in a position to submit a railway order application in respect of the line before the end of 2005. I understand that Iarnród Éireann is finalising a capital cost estimation for the entire Cork commuter rail project, which will be submitted to my Department when completed. The required funding for the project will be provided from a combination of Exchequer and EU funds, from special contribution schemes established by the local authorities in Cork and from private funding.