Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 545: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the inclusion of the proposed re-opening of Limerick to Foynes railway line in future national infrastructural plans for the State so as to optimise that facility's potential to develop in the future as a strategic piece of national infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11400/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In relation to policy on this issue the Government has announced the preparation of a new capital investment framework for the period from 2012. This will be overseen by my colleague Deputy Brendan Howlin, Minister with responsibility for public expenditure and reform. The review will examine capital proposals across all sectors of the economy to establish a set of priority projects and programmes that will provide value for money for the tax payer, offer employment opportunities and provide a growth stimulus to the economy. This will be published as a new national development plan for the period 2012-2016. The preparation of the new framework requires that my Department review all existing projects and programmes. This will focus on the cost and benefits, the contribution to overall economic objectives as well as the employment creation potential, the key criteria will be affordability. The key criterion will be affordability. The review which will involve consultation with relevant agencies will of course also need to take account of new funding realities. A major priority will be to ensure funding to protect and maintain existing investment and maintain high safety standards. This of necessity will restrict the funding for new projects with only those offering the highest return having any chance of being prioritised.

Following my visit to Shannon Foynes Port, I wrote to Irish Rail to ask it to consider the re-opening of the line to freight. Obviously, given the precarious financial position of the State and the need to reduce the transport budget by several hundred million euro over the next two to three years, it can only be considered on the basis that it would cover its annual operating costs