Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 339: To ask the Minister for Transport when Phases 2 to 4 of the western rail corridor will begin construction work and will be fully operational; the total cost of the Western Rail Corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31145/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The first phase of the Western Rail Corridor was opened on 29th March 2010. Issues relating to the scheduling of passenger services and freight facilities are entirely day to day operational matters for Iarnród Éireann. The next step will be for Iarnród Eireann to undertake a detailed evaluation of Phases 2 and 3 with a view to arriving at precise costs to undertake the works. As I have indicated previously, 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.

Despite this, I am seeking to progress planning of the Western Rail Corridor Phases 2 and 3, to ensure that Iarnród Eireann would be in a position to move speedily to construction at the earliest possible date. In relation to the final section of the line, it is currently being preserved under the Clár Programme and Iarnród Eireann will look again at its reopening when Phases 2 and 3 are completed.