Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:383. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding rail expansion (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39336/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 26 May 2026
Ceisteanna (383)
Freagraí scríofa
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 and rail stakeholders across the island, 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 platforms at Clara and Woodlawn stations. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published be 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.
This reinstatement will provide the opportunity for both passenger and freight services 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.