WRC to be added as part of submission to EU Ten-T network

The Claremorris to Athenry railway line is set to be included in the Trans-European Transport Network (Ten-T) as part of Ireland's comprehensive network.

The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) regulation of the EU defines an infrastructure network that encompasses roads, railways, ports, and airports. Projects intended for inclusion in this comprehensive network are required to be completed by 2050. Revised Ten-T network maps are set to be agreed soon with negotiations between the EU institutions in their final stages.

Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon welcomed the proposed inclusion of the Claremorris to Athenry line in Ireland's section of the Trans-European Transport (Ten-T) comprehensive network. 

Deputy Dillon said the decision by Cabinet to approve the addition of the Claremorris to Athenry route is a significant step in reinstating the Western Rail Corridor (WRC) for rail freight and commuter services.

"I've expressed my concerns about the delays in releasing the All-Island Strategic Rail Review due to difficulties in re-establishing institutions in Northern Ireland," Deputy Dillon said. "I'm pleased to report that yesterday, Ministers reached an agreement to incorporate the proposed Claremorris to Athenry and Waterford to Rosslare routes into Ireland's comprehensive network.

"The Government and Minister Ryan's ambition to re-establish rail links from Waterford to Rosslare and Claremorris in Mayo to Athenry in Galway, creating a rail line from Ballina to Wexford, holds great potential. While inclusion in the European network offers opportunities for EU funding, it doesn't guarantee automatic entitlement.

"The negotiations within the Ten-T network are in their final stages, and the revised network maps for the EU are expected to be agreed upon soon."