Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this important Topical Issue matter. I also thank the Minister, Deputy Ryan, for being in the Chamber. It certainly is a statement for him to be here in relation to the importance of this project for the west.

One of the single most valuable pieces of infrastructure in the west of Ireland, and Ireland as a whole, is the western rail corridor. The campaign for its reopening has been ongoing for the past two decades. I commend West on Track for its dedication and commitment to the campaign. The preservation of this key piece of infrastructure is already in place. It will be of enormous benefit and is of paramount importance. If and when this project is funded the opening of a freight and passenger line will herald a new era in transport and development for the west, as well as reducing emissions and allowing people to travel more sustainably. Much hinges on the contents of the soon-to-be-published all-Ireland strategic rail review. Rumours and speculation are rife that the western rail corridor link from Athenry to Claremorris is to be recommended for reopening, but all we have to date is speculation.

Rail will play a central role in underpinning economic development in the west in future.

The western rail corridor project is not simply about reopening an old railway line. It is about reimagining and revitalising our regional transportation infrastructure. This project will significantly reduce travel times between Mayo and Galway, making our communities more accessible and interconnected than ever before. Furthermore, the improved accessibility will also stimulate local economies, attract new businesses and encourage tourism, thereby providing an economic boost to the entire region. It will also provide an increased opportunity for people to work, live and thrive in their communities.

Beyond the economic impact, the western rail corridor is about bringing our communities closer together. It is about breaking down barriers and creating a more cohesive and integrated region where people can easily travel to work, education or leisure. The combination of renewable energy projects, industry and infrastructure means we are within reach of achieving a transformative shift required in rebalancing our economy. It is time this report, which has been ongoing for the past two years, is published and this long-dormant line is returned to use.

Regional policy objectives published by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly specifically support the restoration of the western rail corridor. This strategy also recognises the potential in consolidating the Atlantic economic corridor. Developing the Atlantic economic corridor, rebalancing economic development and ensuring the western seaboard benefits from this, particularly in terms of infrastructure development, are critically important.

The cost, which was outlined in a report issued by John Bradley, estimated the cost of reopening the Athenry to Claremorris line as being in the region of €154 million, which is a drop in the ocean for this shovel-ready and environmentally sustainable development. It is a small fraction of the costs associated with BusConnects, MetroLink or other Dublin projects. There is now the potential for Westport, Ballina, Castlebar, Claremorris, Tuam and Sligo to have a freight and passenger rail line with our regional capital in Galway. It would also play a crucial role in developing Knock Airport and have significant environmental benefits in reducing carbon use and freight. Could the Minister for Transport provide an update on the all-Ireland strategic rail review and the importance of this project for the west?

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