Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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72. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work completed to date since he became Minister to examine the development of the Western Rail Corridor to Claremorris from Athenry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21972/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Programme for Partnership Government includes a commitment to provide for an independent costing and review of a proposal to extend the Western Rail Corridor by linking Athenry and Claremorris.  Along with my officials I am currently considering how best to progress this commitment.

The Programme also commits that no measure will be taken to prevent the future reactivation of the corridor for rail use and I will ensure that this commitment is fulfilled.

As the Deputy will be aware, the funding available to Government for infrastructural investment remains limited.  The key priority for investment in the rail network under the Capital Plan "Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment (2016-2021)" is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the existing network as this is an imperative.  In a context of continued scarce funding, this will remain the focus of our investment in rail.