Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
153. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Transport the implementation of the recommendations of the strategic rail review, specifically the reinstatement of the western rail corridor, if there are plans to introduce another freight hub in Castlebar, County Mayo such as the one in Ballina, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2667/26]
View answerThe Department of Transport, together with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, published the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy in December 2025. This Strategy outlines how to best sequence and optimise the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published in July 2024.
The Rail Strategy specifies short-term rail infrastructure investments, referred to as Early Interventions, to be delivered by 2030, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity, which are funded under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport published by the Department in November 2025. This includes the route between Dublin and Westport/Ballina.
The Strategy also identifies Major Projects to be progressed for the longer-run, involving intercity electrification and significant capacity upgrades on the rail network. This includes the reinstatement of lines including the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris to Athenry. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan involves funding to commence this reinstatement project.
Projects that are in the Rail Review but not included in the Rail Strategy are intended to be progressed in the longer-term.
Separately, within the Rail Freight 2040 strategy, Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) has identified the development of inland freight hubs as a key pillar in delivering the goals of the strategy, ultimately to dramatically increase the role of rail freight in Ireland.
County Mayo is one of the locations which has been identified as being a priority to develop such a hub, and IÉ has engaged extensively in market consultation and analysis of demand with key stakeholders along with identifying potential sites for development. There is close cooperation and engagement with Mayo County Council, and a range of options regarding potential sites, including at Castlebar, are being reviewed to identify the optimum location for such a facility.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
