Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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139. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide a timeframe for the reopening of the Western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67966/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024.

The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. Included in these recommendations is the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris.

Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and organisations including the NTA and Irish Rail, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication this month.

The recently concluded review of the National Development Plan has outlined the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The NDP Sectoral Implementation Plan, published by the Department of Transport in November, included an indicative timeline of construction commencement for the reinstatement of the Athenry to Claremorris rail line in 2028, subject to achieving relevant approvals. The date for the opening of the line will be known following further analysis, which I look forward to receiving.

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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140. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide a timeframe for full double-tracking of the rail line between Athenry and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67967/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024.

The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. 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 double tracking of the rail line between Athenry and Galway.

Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and organisations including the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication this month.

The recently concluded review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The NDP Sectoral Implementation Plan, published by the Department of Transport in November, provided an indicative programme of delivery across the transport sector. It should also be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the Rail Review will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals.

Separately, works commenced at Oranmore station in October. These works will provide an additional platform and a passing loop, increasing capacity on the rail line. This project is scheduled to be completed in 2027. Works are also progressing to upgrade Galway Ceannt station, and these works, which are scheduled to be completed next year, will increase the number of platforms from two to five, which will support a growth in frequencies envisioned under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.