Iarnród Éireann has invited members of the public and interested organisations to participate in a public consultation as part of a financial and economic appraisal of proposals to extend the Western Rail Corridor.
Working to terms of reference specified by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Iarnród Éireann has appointed consultants EY-DKM Economic Advisory to undertake the independent appraisal and public and stakeholder consultation.
The purpose of the appraisal is to establish if the proposed extension from Athenry to Tuam (phase 2 ) and from Tuam to Claremorris (phase 3 ) represents value for money to the Irish public.
EY-DKM have established an online survey to allow members of the public and interested organisations to express their views. This survey is available at http://bit.ly/wrcconsultation until July 17.
The online survey will seek information and views on current transport usage, current transport services, views on the extension of the Western Rail Corridor to phase two and three, and any other comments or observations.
What will the appraisal assess?
The public and stakeholder consultation will contribute to the detailed independent appraisal being undertaken by EY-DKM. This appraisal will include demand modelling, and will seek to establish quantified and qualitative costs and benefits arising from the proposal to extend the Western Rail Corridor. Upon completion, the report’s findings and recommendations will be provided to Iarnród Éireann and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for consideration.
As set out in the terms of reference, the appraisal is concerned with the proposed extension of the Western Rail Corridor only. It is not an appraisal of any other alternative uses for the corridor.
When will the appraisal be completed, and what happens then?
EY-DKM will present the report including findings and recommendations to Iarnród Éireann and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport by the end of September 2019. The DTTAS will then undertake an independent peer review of the report and its findings and recommendations, and will finalise this process to aid policy decisions on this proposal.
Jim Meade, Chief Executive, Iarnród Éireann said: "We know there are many people in the communities along the Western Rail Corridor and indeed across the country who will welcome this opportunity to participate in a public consultation on proposals to extend the Western Rail Corridor. We would encourage all those who are interested in this issue, regardless of point of view, to participate in the consultation to give us a comprehensive understanding of opinions on these proposals."
