An East Galway TD has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Transport that he has received a copy of the Rail Review, an assessment of the business case for the proposed extension of the Western Rail Corridor.
Minister for the Diaspora and International Development Ciaran Cannon has said that he will be engaging with Minister Ross to ensure that the review being undertaken by the Department of Transport is progressed without further delay.
“The situation regarding the review into the proposed extension of the Western Rail Corridor from Athenry to Claremorris has been a long-running and at times a very frustrating saga which needs an urgent conclusion”.
“I therefore welcome the fact that Minister Ross has confirmed to me this week that his Department has received the business case for this proposal which is now being reviewed in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. That code is designed to ensure that all investments made by our government represent good value for money,” he said.
Minister Cannon went on to say that this is a step forward in determinging the future use of this facility.
“This confirmation from Minister Ross represents another step forward in finally getting the answers we need in determining the future of this valuable piece of public infrastructure.
“I will be continuing my engagement with him to ensure that the review is progressed without further delay. However, at this point I doubt very much if the review will see the light of day before the next election, which is very disappointing”.
Minister Cannon added “This review has cost €500,000 of taxpayers’ money, it has been delayed indefinitely and those who paid for it still can’t see its findings. In the meantime, East Galway communities continue to lose out on a greenway investment that could transform them”.
