Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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834. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reopen the rail line between Mullingar and Athlone to facilitate enterprise and passengers commuting between these two large midland towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8196/14]

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. Matters relating to the re-opening of railway lines, such as the line between Mullingar and Athlone, are a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. CIE is in a difficult financial position and is dependent on continued bank funding. It has no resources to expand the rail network. Given the pressure on the public finances there are no Exchequer funds to develop new heavy rail lines or to provide subsidies for more loss making routes. The priority in the current development plan to 2016 is to protect existing assets and maintain safety standards.