Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is probably aware, this is a project I have been pursuing for a long number of years. The final report of the all-island strategic rail review was published in July last year, following extensive public consultation. The report sets out 32 recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with decarbonisation commitments in both jurisdictions.

The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds and higher service frequencies, and new and reinstated rail lines. Included in these recommendations is the work on the reinstatement of the western rail corridor between Athenry and Claremorris, which should commence in 2030. However, the programme for Government commits to working collaboratively to act on the recommendations of the rail review. Assisted by the European Investment Bank advisory services, my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, and agencies north and south of the Border, are working to progress the rail review's recommendations in the years ahead.

This work will additionally inform my Department's engagement on the review of the current national development plan, which is planned to take place this year. It should also be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the rail review will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the infrastructure guidelines. The publication of the rail review provides a very useful evidence-informed basis for our engagement with the national development plan review later this year.

We are already investing in rail in Galway, with Ceannt Station being developed and with the passing loop at Oranmore, which gives us better frequency of services from Athenry to Galway.

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