Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
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Question 444: To ask the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with Irish Rail on a project (details supplied) in County Galway; the progress which has been made on the project; if the timescale for the project will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27506/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Transport 21 provides for the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor in 3 phases, Ennis to Athenry (2008), Athenry to Tuam (2011) and Tuam to Claremorris (2014). These projects are to be implemented in conjunction with rail commuter services from Athenry and Tuam serving a new station in Oranmore en route to Galway.

The current position regarding the Western Rail Corridor is that Iarnród Éireann has submitted detailed business proposals to my Department relating to Phase 1 (the reopening of the Ennis to Athenry section) and Phase 2 (re-opening of the Athenry to Tuam section). These proposals have been assessed in my Department and I hope to make an announcement in the matter as soon as possible.

In addition, Iarnród Éireann is working with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, to agree arrangements and funding under the CLÁR Programme for the preservation of the alignment from Claremorris to Collooney.