Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The opening of the western rail corridor line would bring huge economic benefits to an entire region, particularly in terms of addressing regional imbalance and bringing economic development to the entire western corridor. A reopened western rail corridor would link every population centre in the west to the rest of the country and enable more people to commute sustainably. It could play a critical role in the development of the airport in Knock as a major transport and logistical hub in the west.

We understand there is a lot of work to be done in respect of this. The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 recognises the strategic importance of the western rail corridor as a growth enabler for the northern and western region and its potential to link the economies of the larger urban centres along the western seaboard from Limerick all the way up to Sligo. The regional policy objectives refer specifically to the regeneration of the western rail corridor from Athenry to Claremorris and then from Claremorris to Sligo. All development plans in the counties in the northern and western region must align to these particular regional policy objectives. We need to ensure this happens. We are asking for a commitment from the Government that it intends to continue to work to reopen the western rail corridor and not to do so in a piecemeal fashion but to make a commitment and put the money in place to develop this strategic infrastructure.

My youngest son goes to college in Limerick. If he wants to go on the train to Limerick he must first go on a train to Dublin and then on to Limerick. It is a ridiculous situation. The other day I spoke to a man receiving cancer care. Everyone from Donegal all along the western seaboard who needs to get cancer care must go to Galway. Some of them travel hundreds of miles. There is a very poor bus service for them to use. Many people who have cancer are not in a position to drive to receive care. If a rail service were in place it would resolve many issues for many people. Above all it would be of great economic benefit to the region. We need to see a Government commitment on this.

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