189. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Transport the total budget allocated for the removal of vegetation on the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris; what is the purpose of the removal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55845/23]

As the Deputy may be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the funding framework for the protection and renewal of our railway network infrastructure, including maintenance works on closed and disused lines, such as the Western Rail Corridor.

This is the fourth year of the five-year IMMAC programme, as approved by Government in 2020, and over the five years of the programme in excess of €1.3 billion in Exchequer funding will be made available to support delivery. This funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, improve journey times and ensure continued safety of rail services.

Noting Iarnród Éireann's (IÉ) responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a direct reply on the specific matter raised.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.