Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to provide additional funding for the extension of the Western Rail Corridor; his views on whether that, logistically, this is extremely good value, that is urgently needed in the West of Ireland; his further views on whether this is something which should be continued to completion, now that the Ennis to Athenry section has been announced; if, under the current plans, he will give a completion date for the entire project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30267/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The development of the Western Rail Corridor from Ennis to Claremorris was included as a priority project under Transport 21, with provision also for the preservation of the line from Claremorris to Collooney. This was confirmed recently in Towards 2016, the new Partnership Agreement.

Transport 21 provides for the re-opening of the corridor on a phased basis, in line with the recommendations of the Report by the Expert Working Group on the Western Rail Corridor chaired by Mr. Pat McCann. The Ennis to Athenry section is to be completed in 2008, the Athenry to Tuam section in 2011 and the Tuam to Claremorris section in 2014.

Yesterday, I announced Government approval for funding for the development of the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor from Ennis to Athenry. I have asked Irish Rail to proceed now with the detailed planning and design of the project, with a view to commencing track renewal in mid-2007 and completing the project in 2008. I also announced that, subject to some further studies to be completed by Irish Rail, the Government has approved funding in principle for the development of phase 2 of the corridor between Athenry and Tuam, scheduled for completion by 2011.

In relation to phase 3 of the project, the development of the section from Tuam to Claremorris, I expect to receive business case proposals from Irish Rail at the appropriate time and in accordance with the timetable announced under Transport 21. In addition, on 18 September last, my Cabinet colleague Minister Ó Cuív announced that funding for the preservation of the Claremorris to Collooney section of the corridor would be provided under the CLÁR Programme.