Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding the western rail corridor; the breakdown of the stages; when he expects the section from Claremorris to start; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33224/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The phased re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor is being progressed by Iarnród Éireann in line with the timelines set out in Transport 21 which provides, subject to compliance with statutory requirements and requirements relating to approval of capital projects, for the Ennis to Athenry section to be completed in 2008, the Athenry to Tuam section in 2011, the Tuam to Claremorris section in 2014 and the Claremorris to Collooney section to be preserved under the Clár Programme.

I understand from Iarnród Eireann that work is underway on Phase One and Iarnród Éireann expects to have approximately 7 miles of new track laid by year-end. The Government has approved funding for the development of phase 2 of the Corridor between Athenry and Tuam, subject to completion by Iarnród Eireann of a fuller appraisal of this section. As I have advised above, under Transport 21 the Tuam to Claremorris section is due for completion in 2014. I would not expect to receive an initial business proposal for this section from Iarnród Eireann until late 2010/2011. Iarnród Eireann, with the assistance of funding under the Clár programme, is undertaking work to preserve the rail alignment on the Claremorris to Collooney section.