Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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199. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost, per phase, of reopening the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21204/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Earlier this year, a financial and economic appraisal in relation to the potential re-opening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor, commissioned by Iarnród Éireann and conducted by EY economic consultants, was published and is available to view at the following link:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1174d-review-of-western-rail-corridor-phases-2-and-3-athenry-to-claremorris/ 

The proposed re-opening of Phases 2 and 3 was also subject to a short independent review commissioned by my Department and conducted by JASPERS, an agency of the EU / EIB, and that review is also available to view through the above link.

Finally, the Deputy will be interested to know that, in co-operation with my colleague Minister Nichola Mallon MLA from the Northern Ireland Executive,  I have recently launched a tender competition in relation to a Strategic Rail Review of the rail network on the island of Ireland.  This Strategic Rail Review will consider all aspects of inter-urban and inter-regional rail, including the potential for increased rail freight and I look forward to its commencement and completion in due course.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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200. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the latest estimated cost for reopening the rail line to Navan, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21205/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy is aware, the issue of a potential extension of the existing Dunboyne/M3 Parkway line to Navan was considered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) during its development of the statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035.  This issue remains under review and will be specifically considered again as part of the statutory review of the current Strategy, which the NTA has commenced. 

Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.