Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Transport if a detailed plan for the implementation of the western rail project under Transport 21 has been drawn up; the details of such plans; the envisaged cost of the project under Transport 21; if it is envisaged cost is commercially sensitive information, if so, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33926/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Transport 21 provides for the phased opening of the western rail corridor from Ennis to Claremorris. The line from Ennis to Athenry will be developed first, by 2008, followed by the Athenry to Tuam section by 2011 and the Tuam to Claremorris section by 2014. In addition, commuter rail services will be introduced from Athenry to Galway by 2009.

I have asked Iarnród Éireann to draw-up detailed plans and designs for each phase of the work in the shortest possible timeframe and my Department will hold ongoing discussions with the company on this and other projects identified in Transport 21. While Transport 21 includes a provision for the cost of each phase of the project, a competitive tendering process will be undertaken when design and planning is completed.