Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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232. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update regarding a proposal (details supplied); if his Department is considering projects to improve access from south County Mayo into Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62871/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In terms of improving access from south Mayo into Galway City there are two important initiatives currently underway.

Firstly, there is the National Transport Authority’s Connecting Ireland -Rural Mobility Planwhich has recently concluded its public consultation phase. The draft Plan as published proposed improved bus services from both Ballina and Castlebar serving South Mayo and onward to Galway city.

Secondly there is the Strategic Rail Review whichis being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. The Reviewwill consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network. That scope will also include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the Western Rail Corridor which the Deputy refers to. Public consultation on the Reviewis currently open until 21 January 2022 and I would encourage all interested parties to participate.