John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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116. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans within his Department to realise the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review to re-instate the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry and to double the rail track between Galway city and Athenry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8165/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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 informs the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net carbon zero targets in both jurisdictions. The Review’s Final Report was published on 31st July 2024.

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, and the double tracking of the line between Athenry and Galway.

It should be noted that 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.