Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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1247. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of reports that funding from the European Investment Bank is likely to be secured for the extension of the M18 from Gort to Tuam, if he will consider making an application from his Department to secure funding to develop the next phase of the western rail corridor from Athenry to Tuam. [13329/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Under the "Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework", the next phase of the Western Rail Corridor, from Tuam to Athenry, has been deferred. Therefore, the question of applying for funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB), or any other EU funding programme, does not arise at this time. It should be noted that no EU funding, loan or grant was secured for phase one of the Western Rail Corridor.

Consideration of a new Government capital investment plan beyond 2016 will begin shortly and eligible transport projects prioritised under that plan will be submitted for funding to the EIB. Whether any heavy rail projects are prioritised will depend on the overall funding made available to transport for all modes, and within that, the funds made available for heavy rail. The priority for heavy rail post 2016 will be, as at present, the protection of the operational network and the maintenance of safety standards. If there are additional funds after that, and this is not certain, there will be competing demands between the opening of new lines, the improvement of existing lines, rolling stock upgrades, the upgrade of in-use train stations, as well as the opening of new train stations in different parts of the country. All of these competing demands will be subject to robust analysis and will require strong business cases justifying their value and demonstrating how they will significantly increase patronage on the rail network.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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1248. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are any identified light or heavy rail projects for which funding may be sought from the European Investment Bank by his Department this year or in 2015. [13330/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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A loan of €150m was recently approved by the EIB in respect of the Luas Cross City line. This is the only light or heavy rail project that is being progressed under the "Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework", the Government's capital investment programme that runs until 2016. As there are no other new eligible light or heavy rail projects currently progressing, the question of preparing further  applications for funding from EIB does not arise at this time. However, in conjunction with the  Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform I maintain  contact with the EIB regarding the funding of appropriate projects, including public transport projects, which might be prioritised for development under the next capital plan post 2016. The EIB has indicated a keen interest in supporting suitable public transport projects which address bottlenecks  and bring added value to the transport network.