Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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512. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a report on the further development of the western rail corridor has been commissioned by his Department; if so, the person or body that is compiling the report; the timeframe for it to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41298/17]

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 the Western Rail Corridor Phase Two between Athenry and Claremorris for passenger and freight use. 

The role of heavy rail in Ireland's transport sector is currently under review.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) held a public consultation process to start a national debate on the current and future role of rail transport in Ireland. The public consultation process was launched with the publication of a Rail Review 2016 Report, which examined the funding required to support the heavy rail network now and into the future, together with a consultation document "The Role of Rail in Ireland and Funding its Delivery".

Over 300 submissions were received by the NTA in response to that consultation process which have now all been examined and the NTA is preparing a report of those submissions, which I expect to receive shortly.

As noted within the Rail Review Report, its analysis predates the finalisation of the National Planning Framework which is being developed at present under the leadership of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. Once agreed by Government, the approach which that Framework adopts toward land-use planning and settlement patterns for the country will have significant impacts on the potential of rail and other transport infrastructure and services into the future. No decisions have been made on future changes to the rail network, including any decisions relating to the Western Rail Corridor.