70 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the number of studies which have examined the railway routes, particularly in the west of Ireland; and if Coras Iompar Éireann in its presentation recommended the closure of the Ennis to Sligo line following an official assessment. [10813/02]

I am aware that a number of studies have been carried out which have looked at the prospects for developing or upgrading rail services in the Limerick, Shannon, Galway and Sligo areas. In addition, I am aware of proposals for developing a western rail corridor which would link Sligo, Galway, Limerick and Cork. These rail proposals will be examined in the context of the strategic rail study which I recently announced. The study is designed to provide the Government with a basis for a strategic framework for the development of rail services over the next 20 years and establish priorities for investment. As part of a public consultation process on the subject matter of the study, I have recently invited the general public and interested parties to make submissions to my Department in that regard. I have received no proposals from CIE or Iarnród Éireann for the closure of any part of the railway network.