Louis O'Hara
Ceist:139. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide a timeframe for the reopening of the Western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67966/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 2 December 2025
Ceisteanna (139)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, 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. Included in these recommendations is the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris.
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 this month.
The recently concluded review of the National Development Plan has outlined the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The NDP Sectoral Implementation Plan, published by the Department of Transport in November, included an indicative timeline of construction commencement for the reinstatement of the Athenry to Claremorris rail line in 2028, subject to achieving relevant approvals. The date for the opening of the line will be known following further analysis, which I look forward to receiving.