Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Transport if the western rail corridor will be extended from Athenry to Tuam and onwards to Claremorris as per the timetable announced when work commenced on the first stage from Ennis to Athenry; if he will state the funding arrangements which have been put in place for the proposed second phase of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36126/09]

Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that he will continue the provision of the western rail service from Tuam, County Galway northwards as originally intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36174/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 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. As we have stated in the Renewed Programme for Government, published on 10 October, we remain committed to the earliest possible delivery of subsequent Phases of the Western Rail Corridor.

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 progressing 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 the Western Rail Corridor phases 2 and 3, to ensure that we are in a position to move speedily to construction as soon as financial circumstances permit.