Labour TD Willie Penrose has called on Transport Minister Noel Dempsey to make sure that the re-opening of the Mullingar Athlone rail line is given full consideration in the review of Transport 21.
Deputy Penrose, who recently raised the matter in the Dail with Minister Dempsey said, “The Minister should be forthcoming as to when he will initiate the promised review of the Transport 21 programme for investment, how the review will take place and who will be involved in this review.
“The Minister must ensure that this review is properly focused in order to include important projects from a cost-benefit perspective, such as the reopening of the Mullingar to Athlone railway line. The 40 kilometres of railway track is in place, and it makes no sense not to use that asset.
“The Minister must also ensure that the reopening of Killucan railway station, which has already been subject to a feasibility study proving its viability from a commercial, social and environmental view point, is included in any review of Transport 21.”
