Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Transport the position of the development of the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32715/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Work is continuing on the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor, from Ennis to Athenry, and the line is on target to be completed by the end of the year.

Following the completion of phase 1, Iarnród Éireann will undertake a detailed evaluation of phases 2 and 3 with a view to arriving at precise costs to undertake these works. The current funding environment is difficult and it will not be possible to progress all the projects in Transport 21 in accordance with the ambitious timescale envisioned at its launch. However, I am seeking to progress planning of projects such as the Western Rail Corridor phases 2 and 3, to ensure that we are in a position to move to construction when financial circumstances permit.

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Transport his views in respect of the development of a rail spur to Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32725/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Transport 21 does not provide for the construction of a rail link between Limerick and Shannon Airport. My Department provided funding of €240,000 to Iarnród Éireann towards carrying out a feasibility study for a Shannon Rail Link. This study was completed in February 2007 and was overseen by a Steering Group which included representatives of local authorities and local development interests including the Shannon Rail Partnership. The report concluded that the economic case for the rail link is poor and I understand that Iarnród Éireann have no plans to undertake any further work on the proposal.

The report is available on the Department's T21 website at www.transport21.ie/Publications/BusinessCases