Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
308. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to progress the long-promised double tracking of the rail line through Athenry, given its strategic importance for the western rail corridor, commuter services into Galway, and regional development in the west; and the reason for the ongoing delays and lack of visible progress on this essential infrastructure project. [63687/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken by my Department in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024.
The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes. Included in the recommendations is the double tracking of the rail line between Athenry and Galway.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and organisations including the NTA and Irish Rail, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication next month.
Moreover, the recently concluded review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. A decision on a programme of transport delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming weeks, with a related Sectoral Plan to be published.
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.
Separately, works commenced at Oranmore station in October. These works will provide an additional platform and a passing loop, increasing capacity on the rail line. This project is scheduled to be completed in 2027. Works are also progressing to upgrade Galway Ceannt station, and these works, which are scheduled to be completed next year, will increase the number of platforms from two to five, which will support a growth in frequencies envisioned under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.
