Harris commits to re-opening rail corridor

Taoiseach Simon Harris has told the Western People that if he is returned to power after Friday’s general election he will deliver the railway extension from Athenry to Claremorris in the lifetime of the next government.

The Taoiseach was speaking at a Fine Gael media event at Ireland West Airport on Sunday morning.

Mr Harris said that he was really pleased that the present government got the strategic rail corridor review published.

“My party’s manifesto is very clear in wanting to progress it in the lifetime of the next government,” Mr Harris said, “and has specifically called out parts of it that will benefit Mayo.” 

When put to him that there was an abundance of reports, but an absence of clear commitment, he said it was his intention to get the next phase opened in the lifetime of the next government.

The first phase of what is known as the Western Rail Corridor, the section between Limerick and Galway, reopened for rail passenger services in 2010. Politicians and business and community groups have campaigned for the reopening of the next phase, between Athenry and Claremorris, for many years, citing the imbalance in regional infrastructure and access, which disadvantaged the west and north-western parts of the country. Further phases would see the railway reopening to Collooney in Co Sligo.

Direct connectivity of Knock Shrine and Ireland West Airport would require land acquisition, and their delivery possibilities are less clear.

Mr Harris’ statement is the first clear signal that the project will go ahead and is welcome news for the region. The Taoiseach also said the next government would invest in Ireland West Airport and road infrastructure.

“Knock Airport has a majorly important role to play in terms of our airport infrastructure in this country,” Mr Harris said. “We are an island nation and we are really dependent on our airports. I think people can judge my party’s commitment to this on the basis of the additional funding we have already allocated to this airport. I think about €15m has been invested here since 2021, and I want to assure the people of Mayo and the people of the Northwest, that that commitment to the airport and investing continues.”