Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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73. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to continue the work ongoing on the western rail corridor connecting Foynes to Westport, Ballina and Sligo; the progress made to date in upgrading these lines for both passenger and freight; the reason for the delay in progressing construction, particularly on the sections of the lines closed at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55044/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, including closed and disused lines, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

In relation to the development of the Western Rail Corridor, as the Deputy may be aware, a financial and economic appraisal of the proposed reopening of this line was commissioned by Iarnród Éireann and conducted by EY economic consultants. This appraisal was published early last year and is available to view at the following link:

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

The appraisal was subject to an independent review commissioned by my Department and conducted by JASPERS, an agency of the EU/EIB, and that review is also available to view at the above link.

The ongoing Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (in Northern Ireland, will inform the development of inter-urban/inter-regional rail on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. It will establish the long-term strategic backdrop to rail investment in our regions and on our mainline network that the JASPERS review noted was lacking.

This type of strategic analysis informs our consideration of specific projects and in that regard, the Reviewwill consider the potential scope for improved rail services along various existing and potential future corridors of the network. That scope includes the potential afforded by disused and closed lines for both passenger and freight services, such as sections of the Western Rail Corridor.

I expect to receive an analysis from the Review later this year.