Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
200. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the planned infrastructure investments for the Dublin to Galway and Dublin to Westport rail corridor over the next five years; whether consideration is being given to increasing line capacity, reducing journey times and improving service frequency for passengers travelling through Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47602/26]
View answerFollowing the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, the Department of Transport, with the support of the European Investment Bank and in conjunction with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and rail stakeholders across the island, oversaw the preparation of the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy. This Strategy was published in December 2025 and outlines the approach to sequencing and optimising the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in the coming years.
In the short-term to 2030, the Prioritisation Strategy specifies a number of 'Early Interventions' to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity. These interventions include second platforms at Clara in Offaly and Woodlawn in Galway and also a passing loop between Athlone and Mayo, west of Claremorris. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published by my Department in November 2025.
The Strategy also identifies Major Projects to be progressed for the longer-run, involving intercity electrification and significant capacity upgrades on the rail network, including on the Dublin to Galway route. 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.
