Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I have no doubt the Senator will do that as he has made the case very well today. I will report that back to the Minister.

We have made good progress on several projects across the rail network in recent years, including in the west. These include upgrades at Ceannt Station in Galway city, which are under way and scheduled to be completed next year. In addition, a new platform and passing loop at Oranmore station was granted planning permission last February and construction is expected to commence by the end of this year. These projects will increase the capacity and efficiency of the rail network.

Building on such progress, the long-term vision for the future of the rail network is provided for by the all-island strategic rail review, which recommends electrification of inter-city routes, increasing track capacity and the new and reinstated routes I mentioned. Among the review’s 32 strategic recommendations is the reinstatement, as I said, of the western rail corridor between Claremorris and Athenry. This project has the potential to support both passenger and rail freight services and to advance regional connectivity objectives.

I thank the Senator for his contribution. I will convey his views to the Minister.