Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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80. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to upgrade the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40884/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Due to the overall reduction in funding for transport infrastructure the priority in the capital plan to 2016  is to protect investments 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, 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 for any subsidy would also be a key consideration for any new rail projects or extensions.  I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Programme for Government and in particular the commitment that: "We will insist that major capital projects are subjected to proper cost-benefit analysis and evaluation, improving future productivity and growth prospects, and that the value-for-money obtained is significantly enhanced compared to the most recent period."

Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor between Ennis to Athenry opened in March 2010 and to date its performance has been very disappointing even allowing for the recession. Oranmore station opened on 28 July 2013 and hopefully it will help to improve passenger numbers. CIE is in a precarious financial situation and is dependent on continued bank funding. Given the pressure on the public finances there  are no funds for new subsidies or to develop new rail links in any part of the country. For all the reasons outlined above, the Government has no plans to further extend or upgrade the Western Rail Corridor.