Jimmy Devins (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding provided by his Department for the preservation of the right of way of the western rail corridor from Claremorris, County Mayo to Collooney, County Sligo; and the progress made on the project to date. [42624/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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An amount of €5m is being provided by my Department under the CLÁR Programme towards the development of the Western Rail Corridor. The funding is being provided towards essential clearance and preservation site works on the unused railway line between Claremorris and Collooney.

The purpose of this work, which commenced in September last, is to re-establish the boundaries, prevent further deterioration of the line section and prevent any development that may otherwise impinge on the proposed detailed works required for the eventual reopening of the line. Specifically, the works include fencing, hedge cutting, renewal of level crossing gates as well as the provision of some essential drainage, removal of ivy and overgrowth from bridges and the provision of mile posts.

I understand from Iarnród Éireann that almost 50 miles of the corridor have been cleared to date. I am happy that progress on the remaining part of the line is proceeding as planned and is in line with the budget and timescale set out initially.