Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the findings of the recent report on the western rail corridor; the way in which the Government now intends to proceed with this project; if he will provide firm deadlines regarding the development and completion of some or all of the corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21164/05]

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on a new report calling for the reopening of the western rail corridor on a phased basis; the estimated cost of the reopening of the line; the proposed timetable for the reopening of the full line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21210/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 57 together.

The chairman of the working group on the western rail corridor, Mr. Pat McCann, presented his report to me last month. 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 multi-annual capital investment framework for transport currently being prepared by my Department. It is in that context that decisions will be made in relation to the future of the western rail corridor.

Based on a study carried out by Iarnród Éireann as part of that company's participation in the working group, the estimated capital cost of restoring the line is of the order of €370 million, excluding rolling stock costs. It would be premature for me to make any further comment on the issue in advance of the impending finalisation and publication of the multi-annual capital investment framework.