153 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be made available over the next year to fund extension of the western rail corridor from Athenry to Tuam; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45962/10]

The first phase of the Western Rail Corridor was opened on 29th March 2010. The National Recovery Plan which was launched on the 24th November 2010 provides revised capital budgets for my Department over the Plan period 2011-2014.

The new allocations mean that it will not now be possible to meet the original timeline for all T21 projects. However no project has been cancelled and planning and design will continue so that projects can commence as funding becomes available.

Under the plan there is provision for initial planning and design for Phase 2 of the Western Rail Corridor.

Further progress will be dependent on a review of the performance of Phase 1 and a full economic assessment of Phase 2.

In this regard my Department has received an application for funding from Iarnród Éireann for the detailed design and tender preparation stage for Phase 2, Athenry to Tuam, which is currently under consideration.