Article on Double tracking Galway-Athenry

[Tadhg17]

Great idea and should have been done before Ennis-Athenry but have they pulled that figure of €180million out of the sky

http://www.galwayindependent.com/loc...rail-proposal/

Scepticism grows over Athenry rail proposal
Written by Marie Madden
Wednesday, 13 February 2008

Concerns were raised this week about the high cost of a €180 million proposal submitted to the Gateway Innovation Fund (GIF) by Galway City Council.

At Monday night's city council meeting, officials gave a presentation showcasing the three proposals put forward for funding through the Gateway Innovation Fund, including a new conference centre for the Fisheries Field, the development of a bus carriageway and civic space for Ardaun and double rail tracking from Galway to Athenry.

While the presentation was met with a warm reaction from councillors, questions were immediately raised about the hefty cost associated with the Athenry project – estimated at €180 by Iarnrod Eireann.

A majority of councillors expressed disbelief at the figure, saying that it seemed extortionate for a 22km stretch of rail and calling for an independent costing. Many went on to express a lack of confidence in the Athenry proposal, saying that they were not optimistic of its chance of being approved.

"The cost of the Western Rail Corridor line from Ennis to Athenry, (36miles) was estimated by Iarnrod Eireann at €106million. The cost of providing a second track from Athenry to Galway City (12miles) has been costed at €180million. This makes no sense at all, with the required land already in state ownership in both cases it beggars belief that a twelve mile section of track is considerably more expensive than a thirty six mile section of track," said Green Party councillor Niall O Brolchain.

"International rail experts I have talked to do not believe this figure is remotely credible. I am calling for an independent evaluation of this costing. We need a proper public transport system in the Galway region and this form of play acting by Iarnrod Eireann is most disappointing."

Nine gateway areas have put forward proposals for allocations of funding from the €350 million total. Of the three proposals put forward by Galway City Council, it is thought that the €77.6 Fisheries Field development is the most likely to be successful.

The new "iconic" conference centre/concert hall would address the lack of large cultural venues in the city, one of the main reasons that Galway missed out on being named European City of Culture in 2005.

As a result, councillors Padraig Conneely and Daniel Callanan urged the council to lobby for the centre and meet with relevant government ministers in order to "put our best foot forward" and increase Galway's chances of success.

The new centre would seat 2,500 people and would "embody world class architectural excellence complementing its highly prized waterside location, adjacent to Galway Cathedral and overlooking the River Corrib". The site is owned by NUI, Galway and is worth €20 million. This represents 26 per cent of the total capital cost therefore meeting the Gateway Innovation Fund criteria for matching funding.

Another article linked to this:
http://www.galwayindependent.com/loc...d-until-april/

A decision on whether Galway will receive an allocation from the Government's Gateway Innovation Fund has been postponed until April.

Anticipation had been building over the last number of weeks in relation to the funding bid, which if successful would allow for huge development in the city and county. However, it has now been revealed that Galway City Council will have to wait for at least another month before they know whether they will be receiving a slice of the €350 million fund.

The new town of Ardaun was also put forward for funding, alongside double rail tracking from Galway to Athenry. However, concerns have been raised over the hefty €180 million price tag estimated for the rail project by Iarnrod Eireann.