Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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279. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress as provided under the programme for Government on the review of the western rail corridor phase two between Athenry and Claremorris for passenger and freight use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31375/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​I recently received the 'Rail Review' from the National Transport Authority and Irish Rail. The Review is a strategic evaluation of the current role of Irish Rail and the financial resources required to continue to provide services on the heavy rail network on a sustainable basis. I intend to examine the Programme for Government commitment - to provide for an independent costing and review of a proposal to extend the Western Rail Corridor by linking Athenry and Claremorris -  in the context of the Rail Review as the Rail Review will be relevant to any future decisions on the Western Rail Corridor. I wish to ensure that the public and all interested parties get an opportunity to contribute to the debate on the future of rail through the publication shortly of the Rail Review and the commencement of a public consultation process on it. I would encourage all interested parties to actively engage with this consultation process.