Return of Stormont government gives boost to rail corridor project
Colmán Ó Raghallaigh of West on Track says there is now more certainty for the Western Rail Corridor.
Recent developments on both sides of the Irish border have given further reassurance over the development of the Western Rail Corridor, according to the PRO of West on Track.
Colman Ó Raghallaigh said the return of Stormont in Northern Ireland can speed up the final publication of All Island Rail Review and lead to the approval of funding for the development of the line from Athenry to Claremorris. He also welcomed recent comments by Irish Rail chief executive Jim Meade to the Joint Oireachtas Transport Committee.
“I believe people will be reassured now that the situation is clear and the potential for the future redevelopment of that line will remain,” he remarked. "The chief executive of Irish Rail made it clear that the company does not wish to give up the railway line from Claremorris to Coolloney for any other purpose.”
Mr Ó Raghallaigh said West on Track welcomes that clarification and now believes the railway line from Athenry to Claremorris will commence soon.
Mr Ó Raghallaigh noted that Mr Meade said it would take Irish Rail two years to get the preparatory work completed and then possibly three years to deliver the project.
“He was not talking about it as something that will happen at some point in the future, he was saying it is going to happen,” he said. “The All Island Rail Review has been delayed by Mr Donaldson and the DUP in the North, not being in government, and that is going to be resolved. Once that is published, I would expect the Government will give the initial funding for that project to begin.”
