Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to highlight a new report on the Atlantic rail corridor, specifically the Galway-Mayo rail link. I welcome the Bradley report, which forecasts a very favourable economic outlook in respect of the reopening of the old rail corridor between Athenry and Claremorris. Unlike other reports before it, the extensive on-the-ground and field research presents a favourable cost-benefit ratio, which demonstrates a positive economic return to the region. The report mentions the opportunity offered to County Mayo with a potential additional 23,000 tourists per annum travelling on the proposed rail link.

The findings of the Bradley report should now feed into the strategic rail review being undertaken on an all-Ireland basis. Will the Taoiseach commit to reviewing the findings of the report and, hopefully, put into action a project which will strongly promote balanced regional development for the Atlantic economic corridor?

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