Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has finished his consideration of Iarnród Éireann's business proposals in relation to phase one and two of the western rail corridor; and the plans to provide funding for the extension of the services northwards to Collooney, County Sligo. [30068/06]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress which has been made on the development of the western rail corridor; when the existing rail line from Ennis to Athenry will be reopened; and the expected timetable and budget for the opening of passenger services on the first phase of the western rail corridor. [29914/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 42 together.

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.

The current situation is that on Tuesday last, I announced Government approval for funding of approx €100m for the development of the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor from Ennis to Athenry, which is expected to cost approx €100m at 2005 prices. 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.