Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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625. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the impact the construction of the N17 motorway from Tuam to Gort in County Galway, together with accommodation and ancillary works thereto, will have on the recommissioning of the railway line from Athenry in County Galway to Claremorris in County Mayo, pursuant to the west on track campaign which, when re-opened, will provide strategic connectivity for freight from Ballina in County Mayo to Foynes deep water port in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40448/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The extension of the Western Rail Corridor was postponed by the Government in 2011. Under the Government's new Capital Plan "Building on Recovery: Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021", the priority for heavy rail infrastructure is to provide the necessary funding for maintenance and renewal programmes to bring the level of funding on the existing network up to the required "steady state" level. There will be no Exchequer funding to reopen heavy rail lines anywhere on the network.

The new Capital Plan includes a commitment that the Government will commission a feasibility study to examine options for expanding freight transport on the railways. The potential for investment in rail freight in the West can be considered in that context. 

In relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, I understand that an agreement is currently under negotiation between Iarnród Éireann and Transport Infrastructure Ireland with regard to the reinstatement of rail infrastructure in the event that the railway line should ever be recommissioned.

John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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626. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the proposed construction of a new bridge (details supplied) over the railway line between crossings 137 and 138 on the Sligo to Dublin railway line; the costs that have been expended to date in putting up cameras at these crossings; the cost involved in the planning process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40526/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, 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.

Issues relating to the construction of bridges on the rail network are a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

Exchequer funds are made available each year for investment in railway safety, asset renewal and maintenance. Since 2014 these funds are governed by the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC), a requirement under EU rules. The works covered by this contract are prioritised by Iarnród Éireann based on appropriate risk assessments. Therefore any works relating to the construction of a new bridge over the railway line between crossings 137 and 138 on the Sligo to Dublin railway line would be a matter for Iarnród Éireann under this contract.

I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Eireann for a direct reply in relation to the specific matters raised. If you do not receive a response within 10 working days, please contact my private office.