Review of Transport 21 programme and cost benefit analysis of various projects

Date: 09 December 2008


Dáil Question No: 264 *To ask the Minister for Transport when he will initiate the promised review of the Transport 21 programme for investment; the way the review will take place and the persons who will be involved in this review; if in the context of this review he will ensure that same is properly focussed in order to include important projects from a cost benefit perspective such as the reopening of the Mullingar to Athlone railway line which is an asset since the 40 kilometres of railway track is in place, and the reopening of Killucan Railway Station, which has already been subject to a feasibility study which proved its viability from a commercial, social and environmental view point; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - Willie Penrose.

Answered by Noel Dempsey T.D.
Minister for Transport

REPLY
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to commence the preparation of a successor to Transport 21 in 2011. The preparatory work for that programme will include a review of Transport 21. This work will be undertaken by my Department in consultation with the implementing agencies.

The re-opening of the Athlone to Mullingar rail line is not provided for in the Transport 21 as it was not identified as a priority in the Strategic Rail Review, carried out on behalf of my Department in 2003. However, the proposal can be examined in the context of the new programme.

With regard to Killucan Station, the location of stations and decisions regarding the re-opening of stations on the rail network is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and not one in which I have a role.