Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 265: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine the position regarding development of Cork to Midleton railway line; the cost of the project; the number of stages in the contract; and his further plans for the development. [18857/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Cork to Midleton Rail Project involves the reopening of the railway line between Glounthaune to Midleton with new stations at Carrigtwohill and Midleton. The Railway Order for the Glounthaune to Midleton project was signed on 5 April 2007. Construction is expected to commence this Summer and is due to be completed in 2008 with the first commuter trains expected to enter service on the line in early 2009.

The detailed programming of the implementation of the Midleton rail line is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I do not consider it prudent to release commercially sensitive information in relation to the cost of individual projects within Transport 21 until public procurement processes are complete. The Glounthaune to Midleton project is part of the Cork Commuter Rail Project that also involves the construction of new stations at Blarney, Kilbarry and Dunkettle along the Cork-Mallow line. The project will allow increased frequency on the Cork-Cobh line with further through operations to Mallow. Park and ride facilities will also be provided at stations along the route.