Western Rail Corridor and Mayo section receive major EU boost

The development and reopening of the Western Rail Corridor has been given a huge boost after the Claremorris-Athenry section of the project was added to the European Union’s Ten T network, making it eligible for major European funding support.

However, campaigners have said it is crucial to ensure that the section of the project connecting Sligo to Claremorris via Cooloney remains on the agenda.

The European Parliament voted to include the Western Rail Corridor in a revised Ten-T regulation following an application from the Irish government last week.

It means that this project can now be part funded by the EU, who will provide 20% of capital funding towards the cost of the project.

Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry Murray, who has campaigned in favour of the Western Rail Corridor, said it is now up to the Government to ensure that the project is delivered.

"The problem has never been in Brussels. The EU want the whole region to be included but the problem was in Dublin. A large contribution is required from the national exchequer towards this," he added.

Cllr Murray said he is hopeful about receiving EU funding towards the Claremorris-Collooney aspect of the Western Rail Corridor.

“I would be optimistic about this. There is a Sinn Féin government in waiting and we have always been committed to bringing this all the way to Sligo and at the same time, creating a possible link to Knock Airport.” “This is a railway that goes all the way out to Waterford port and then links to Europe. It is a low-carbon link to the continent and is really a no-brainer.” West on Track campaigner and spokesperson Colmán Ó Raghallaigh said that it is essential that the connection to Sligo is included as soon as possible.

“It is very welcome that Claremorris-Athenry will get European funding but we also believe that the section of railway to include connecting on to Sligo should be included and when the time comes, it should also be funded by Europe.” “These decisions only come about every few years and Sligo has missed out on this front. At the earliest opportunity, Sligo will need to be included.” Independent TD Sean Canney said this development is a gamechanger for this project, as well as Galway Port which has also been included as part of the Ten-T Network.

“The Western Rail Corridor is now acknowledged as a viable project and has been identified as such in the All-Island Rail Review which was approved by both Governments in the North and South at the ministerial meeting two weeks ago and the review will be published in the coming weeks.” “It is clear the re-opening of the railway line north from Athenry through Tuam and onto Claremorris will be a game changer for economic development in the west of Ireland. It is a key infrastructure to drive regional development and connectivity between Ballina, Castlebar, Claremorris, Tuam and Athenry, to Galway Port, Limerick, Foynes Port, Cork, and Waterford Port."