Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

21. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made to date in securing and reopening the rail line from Athenry to Claremorris; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10329/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, the Strategic Rail Reviewis currently being undertaken in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.

The Reviewis considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed rail), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development, and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This includes the role of rail freight.

The Review is also considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or potential future, corridors of the network including disused and closed lines such as the Western Rail Corridor.

It would be premature to commit to the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor before the Reviewis finalised.

The Reviewis at an advanced stage. Publication of the report will follow after the necessary approvals have been secured.