Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As I have said in the two previous replies on this matter, the TEN-T Regulation and Connecting Europe Facility are European Commission proposals. Before the publication in October last of its proposals, the European Commission engaged in consultations with all the Member States including Ireland. Based on the European Commission's own analysis and criteria - as set out in the TEN-T proposal and Impact Assessment, they published these proposals which are now being negotiated through the ordinary legislative procedure with Council (i.e. the Member States) and the European Parliament.

The Foynes line is included in the Core Network, for the moment, on the basis of projected freight volumes. This line does not form part of the so-called 'Western Arc'. Rather this is a short stretch of railway between the Shannon Foynes Port facility at Foynes, which already exists but was closed to traffic some years ago. The Foynes line will only be re-opened if it is clear that large volumes of freight will be transported on it. There are no proposals that the State would fund the re-opening of this line but rather it would be done on foot of private sector investment.

Ireland's objective is to ensure that the unique characteristics of our network are taken into account so as to ensure we optimise the benefits and minimise the cost of these Regulations. This means ensuring that the Core and Comprehensive Networks can be developed in a manner that will assist our transports links with Europe whilst also ensuring that we do not give commitments that are neither realistic nor financially tenable.

I would draw the Deputy's attention to the hearing of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and Gaeltacht on 10 January 2012 where the Department's position was clearly set out and also the response of the Committee to the EU institutions on foot of that hearing, which re-affirmed that position. The Deputy should be aware that the existing sections of railway which serve Ballina and Westport are included on the Comprehensive Network as proposed by the Commission.

It is very important to understand that this Directive is not an opportunity for Ireland to secure EU funds for investment. Rather it imposes legally binding and financially expensive obligations on us. Therefore, it is our policy to limit the number of routes included to those that do not need upgrading or for which there is a significant possibility of securing private sector investment.