Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Transport if his recently expressed personal support for phase two and three of the western rail corridor means that the full western rail corridor project will proceed on deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21269/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Transport 21 provides for the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor on a phased basis in the period to 2015. Phase 1 of the Corridor, between Ennis and Athenry, is on target to be completed this year, with services due to commence in the Autumn.

In September 2006 the Government made a decision in principle to support funding for the development of Phase 2 of the Corridor between Athenry and Tuam. Once Phase 1 is completed the next step will be for Iarnród Éireann to conduct further studies to ascertain more reliable costings for Phases 2 and 3. This work is commencing in 2009.