Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
237. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the plans to restore rail freight services on the Ballina and Westport rail lines, having regard to the fact that this line was historically used for the delivery of goods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36454/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra238. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport whether a feasibility study has been carried out, or is planned, into the reinstatement of goods and freight transport by rail from Ballina and Westport, County Mayo; and if not, whether he will commit to commissioning such a study in light of regional development and climate objectives. [36455/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra239. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if his Department or Iarnród Éireann has engaged with local businesses, logistics operators, or public representatives in Mayo regarding renewed use of the rail lines for freight transport; and if he will provide details of any such engagements. [36456/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra240. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport how the potential return of rail-based goods transport from Ballina and Westport has been assessed in the context of reducing HGV traffic, lowering carbon emissions, and supporting national climate targets. [36457/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra241. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport whether funding under the National Development Plan or other capital programmes could be used to upgrade infrastructure to allow the Ballina and Westport rail lines to be used once again for freight services, as was the case historically. [36458/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra242. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport how the continued underutilisation of the Ballina and Westport rail lines for freight aligns with the Government’s commitment to balanced regional development and support for the west and northwest regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36459/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 237 to 242, inclusive, together.
Following the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, my Department, with the support of the European Investment Bank and in conjunction with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, 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 Early Interventions include a passing loop west of Claremorris on the route between Dublin and Westport/Ballina. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published in November 2025.
The Prioritisation Strategy also identifies 'Major Projects' with longer lead-in and development timelines. Among these is the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry, which will assist the development of rail freight and in provide an alternate routing for rail freight to or from Mayo. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan includes funding to commence construction of this reinstatement project.
The Rail Review considered the role of rail freight and consideration of the growth potential of the rail freight market. In relation to freight, the Review specifically recommends:
• Developing a sustainable solution for first-mile-last-mile rail freight access for Dublin Port.
• Reducing Track Access Charges for freight services.
• Strengthening rail connectivity to the island’s busiest ports where links are feasible and improving access to ports that currently are underserved by rail freight, including Foynes, Waterford, Marino Point, and Rosslare Europort.
• Developing a network of inland terminals close to major cities on the rail network, especially where there is good access to major roads/motorways, limited impact on communities and passenger traffic, and good access to industrial clusters.
County Mayo is one of the locations which has been identified as being a priority to develop such a hub, and Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) has engaged extensively in market consultation and analysis of demand with key stakeholders along with identifying potential sites for development. There is close cooperation and engagement with Mayo County Council, and a range of options regarding potential sites, including at Castlebar, are being reviewed to identify the optimum location for such a facility.
In view of IÉ’s responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
