Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A commitment on page 15 of the programme for Government is to prioritise the report on the future of the western rail corridor and take immediate action. I have repeatedly raised the project in this Chamber and will continue to do so on behalf of the people of counties Mayo, Galway and Sligo. The western rail corridor is a vital piece of infrastructure along the Atlantic economic corridor, yet its development has been frustratingly slow. It is now an important component of the all-Ireland strategic rail review, connecting Ballina and Rosslare and addressing regional imbalance in the west. The 52 km line between Claremorris and Athenry is central to that and we also need to safeguard the rail infrastructure north of Claremorris. It is imperative that this project is included in the revised national development plan, given the significant demand for rail freight. The west is desperately in need of this project. In light of its obvious benefits, why is there stalling on this issue? When can we anticipate a decision?

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