Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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Question 1420: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to transform the Galway to Clifden railway track, County Galway into a cycle greenway; the progress that has been made on this to date; if there are no current plans to reopen the western rail corridor between Athenry, County Galway, and Claremorris, County Mayo, has consideration been given to providing a cycle greenway on parts of this track; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18718/12]

Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1439: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the western rail corridor, including projected costs for completion; if the project will be completed in the next four years of capital expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19368/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1420 and 1439 together.

The programme for the funding of capital projects to 2016 is set out in the Medium Term Exchequer Framework 2012-16. Due to the overall reduction in funding for transport infrastructure the priority to 2016 is to protect investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. The limited funding available over and above this priority will only be provided for projects which are affordable, have strong business cases, meet overall transport objectives and deliver the best return in terms of economic recovery and job creation. Moreover the ability to operate profitably and without the need of any subsidy would also be a key consideration for any new rail projects or extensions. In the circumstances, Phase 2 of the Western Rail Corridor has been deferred for consideration in 2015 in advance of the next Public Capital Programme. However, the construction of new stations at Crusheen and Oranmore which were approved under Phase 1 have been included in the Capital Programme to 2016.

In accordance with the Programme for Government, I am investing in the National Cycle Policy which calls for a wide programme of action including investment in cycling infrastructure. With regard to the development of a cycle way from Clifden to Galway, an assessment of this route was carried out by the National Roads Authority as part of its plans to upgrade the N59 to Clifden. I understand that the route alignment for the section from Clifden to Oughterard is currently being finalised. The identification and design of cycle routes is a matter for local authorities and I understand that Galway City Council and Galway County Council are working together to progress the overall project. There are no plans for the development of a cycleway along the Western Rail Corridor.