Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 599: To ask the Minister for Transport if a matter (details supplied) will be supported. [33272/09]

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 607: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans for proceeding with phase two of the western rail corridor which is an essential part of the infrastructure in the west of Ireland to open opportunities for job creation and development of the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33679/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 599 and 607 together.

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. The Government has previously decided to reopen phases 2 (Athenry-Tuam) and 3 (Tuam-Claremorris) of the corridor under Transport 21, my Department's investment framework for the years 2006-2015.

The immediate next step, following completion of phase 1, will be for Iarnród Éireann to undertake a detailed evaluation of phases 2 and 3 with a view to arriving at precise costs to undertake the works. I am committed to progress planning on the Western Rail Corridor. The current funding environment is very 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. Nevertheless, 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 speedily to construction when financial circumstances permit.

In its report, the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, under the chairmanship of Mr. Colm Mc Carthy, and established by the Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Lenihan T.D., recommended that there should be no further development of the Western Rail corridor. The Government will be reflecting on the Report's recommendations over the months ahead. Decisions on implementation will rest with the Government and Dáil Éireann, including in the context of preparing the Budget for 2010 and later years. The Government has referred the Report for analysis and comment by the Oireachtas Committee on Finance and General Affairs prior to the Budget in December.