Moves progressing to fast track west rail project
"I am working with might and main to achieve it in the shortest time possible"
HIGH-level moves are progressing to fast-track the commencement of works on the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor between Mayo and Galway.
After being snubbed as a priority in the Programme for Government, the expectation is that developing a link between Claremorris and Athenry will not get underway in 2030 in line with an all-island strategic rail review that was published in July 2024.
However, Galway-based Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Sean Canney, has told the Oireachtas he is "working with might and main to achieve the project in the shortest time possible."
He elaborated: "It is important that we are a government of implementation rather than one that does strategies. We need to implement the plans we have.
"We have the money to invest. This is a project that will connect Ballina, Westport, Castlebar, Claremorris, Tuam and Athenry, and will run down into Limerick and Cork Port, over to Waterford Port, out to Foynes and into Galway. It is bringing back that link to give us connectivity along the Atlantic Economic Corridor."
In response to questions by Galway-East Sinn Féin Deputy Louis O'Hara, Minister Canney said: "Assisted by the European Investment Bank advisory services, my department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, and agencies north and south of the border, are working to progress the rail review's recommendations in the years ahead.
"It should also be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the rail review will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the infrastructure guidelines.
"The publication of the rail review provides a very useful evidence-informed basis for our engagement with the national development plan review later this year.
"I have been pursuing this project for a long number of years."
Deputy O'Hara stated it is critical for economic development in the west, people's mobility, taking cars off the road and addressing the chronic traffic problems in Galway and other towns.
"There are significant numbers of commuters in our constituency, including students and people attending hospital and so on, who are stuck in traffic for hours each day coming into and leaving Galway. This project would benefit them. It is critical for economic and balanced regional development."
However, critics of the government argue the infrastructure is being 'kicked down the tracks' by government indecision and a lack of commitment to it over the years
Mayo Aontú Deputy Lawless said the project had been ‘kicked down the track’ by the lack of commitment to reopen the line.
He called for work on the Western Rail Corridor to be started ‘as a matter of urgency’ and to connect new lines to Ireland West Airport and Kiltimagh.