Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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76. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made during his tenure of office with progressing the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor from Athenry to Collooney and improving the railway line from Limerick to Athenry with the provision of extra capital funding for passing loops and longer platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41629/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As committed to in the current National Development Plan 2021-2030, the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor was considered as part of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. The All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken by the Department of Transport in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The Review will inform the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions.

The Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024. The Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050. 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, higher service frequencies and new routes. Included in these recommendations is the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry, which is earmarked to commence by 2030.

It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the final Review Report will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines in Ireland.

Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies north and south, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. This includes a more detailed identification of rail priorities to pursue over the next decade. Progress in following-up on the Rail Review will be reported on as appropriate through the North South Ministerial Council.

In relation to the rail line from Limerick to Athenry, I understand that Iarnród Éireann have received funding from the National Transport Authority (NTA) for the Ennis Line Capacity Enhancement project which aims to increase operational capacity on the line between Limerick and Athenry. A consultant has been appointed and the project is progressing, with an Emerging Preferred Option expected in first half of 2025.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issue raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.