Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
332. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport to confirm that no development or structure will be permitted upon the disused Claremorris to Collooney rail line except any required to facilitate reopening of the rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3678/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the disused rail line between Claremorris and Collooney, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
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 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.
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.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
