Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
374. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if plans are in place to develop a motorway and a rail service between Dún na nGall agus Gaillimh (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10131/26]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the 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 Strategy identifies Major Projects to be progressed, 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 National Development Plan (NDP) Sectoral Investment Plan involves funding to commence this reinstatement project.
Modelling undertaken, as part of the Rail Review, found that investments on the disused rail line between Claremorris and Sligo and onwards to Donegal, would result in very low demand for passenger rail services on this route and that building a railway would have a significant adverse impact on the environment. For these reasons the project was not included in the recommendations of the Rail Review, and hence it was not identified as a Major Project to be progressed in the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy.
The Rail Review will be reviewed and updated once a decade. This review will provide the opportunity to re-consider a potential extension of the Western Rail Corridor further north, taking account of the latest policies and developments, for example if there is increased passenger demand as a result of the restatement of the line between Claremorris and Athenry.
In relation to a motorway, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the NDP, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on any plans to develop a motorway between Donegal and Galway.
It is important to point out that it is for the local authority, in the first instance, to engage with TII regarding the progression of any proposed national road project. All projects, including those listed in the NDP, require statutory approval and compliance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
