Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
181. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the reopening of the western rail corridor between Athenry and Claremorris; the estimated timeline for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38463/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing 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, including on the Dublin to Galway line a second platform at Clara and Woodlawn stations. 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 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. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan includes funding to commence construction of this reinstatement project, subject to any necessary planning or other approvals. Early work is already underway in terms of clearing vegetation on the line.
It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
