Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 60: To ask the Minister for Transport the criteria used by his Department in deciding to proceed with rail projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21170/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Any project being considered for funding by my Department would generally be part of a wider strategic transport objective, such as the national development plan. It would also be expected to be consistent with the national spatial strategy and the relevant regional planning guidelines. My Department would also take into account whether it was consistent with the strategic rail review and any relevant regional transportation strategy such as DTO's A Platform for Change or the Cork area strategic study.

Any project being proposed by Iarnród Éireann, IE, will have received both IE and CIE board approval prior to submission to my Department. When project proposals are received by my Department they are checked for conformity with the guidelines for the appraisal and management of capital expenditure proposals in the public sector as published by the Department of Finance. In the case of projects costing over €20 million my Department seeks business cases or financial-economic cost benefit analyses. Depending on the nature and complexity of the project it may be subject to further external analysis by independent consultants to test the robustness of the costs as presented and of the economic and financial evaluation undertaken by the company.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 61: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in the development of a new rail station at Spencer Dock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21228/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand that Iarnród Éireann is still examining possible locations for a new railway station in the city centre area. I expect to hear from the company when this work is complete.