The reopening of the Western Rail Corridor has been recommended in a review of the railway network of the island of Ireland.
The recently published 'Draft Strategic All Island Rail Review' which looks into policy and future strategy of the railways in both jurisdictions in the island of Ireland by examining the current scope of rail and where it can be improved to better serve communities across the island, as well as being a powerful tool to help cut emissions. The reopening of railway lines like the Western Rail Corridor, along with other now defunct connections to cities across the country, has been examined under the time period of the present to 2050, to align with the goals of achieving net zero carbon emissions set out by both jurisdictions in the Island.
The reopening of the Western Rail Corridor, a junction which ran up until 1979 and connects Ballina, Wesport, Castlebar, Claremorris, Tuam, Athenry, Ennis, Limerick to Foynes Port and Waterford Port, has been welcomed by local politicians with TD Sean Canney saying that the Corridor is a 'shovel-ready project that does not require planning permission'
“The review is the template on which all future rail development will be based, and the Western Rail Corridor is now a shovel-ready project that does not require planning permission and works can begin as soon as Government give the green light.
“I am now calling on Government to follow through and provide the funding for this important infrastructure for the west of Ireland, Galway east and Tuam in particular. This is a positive step and the reopening of the rail line will be of enormous benefit to Tuam and the entire region.
“I along with other like-minded Oireachtas members, the Intercounty Rail Committee and West on Track have campaigned to have this line reopened and we will continue to work to extend the line North again to Collooney from Claremorris and have rail connectivity to Knock International Airport. Last year I convened a meeting of Oireachtas Members and together we drafted a submission to Government in support of the Western Rail Corridor which was signed by the majority of Oireachtas members demonstrating the political support for the project.
“It is important that we continue to work together along with the Minister for Transport and Government to ensure delivery of the project in the shortest time possible”.
Representative for the Green Party of Tuam in the upcoming 2024 local elections, Islammiyah Kadejo, has praised the proposal as, saying it is an example of how the Green Party is using its position in Government to revitalise public transport and reduce pollution.
“Late 1970's was the last time trains ran along the lines; this is a fantastic day for Tuam, and train travelers across the west of island. The increased number of trains will benefit the community, linking to Knock and Shannon airports . By increasing the speed, frequency and routes of trains, rail travel will become more appealing to everyone as road network is becoming overwhelmed with the volume of cars. This development will revitalise previously neglected regions and decarbonize the rail network.
“I believe we can have both railways and modern Greenway serving Tuam. It will boost tourism and infrastructures, ease congestion, and help local businesses. If we can build bigger towns, we can invest more into services in them that become more sustainable. This is one of my priorities as a local election 2024 candidate and I will continue to advocate this.”
While many have welcomed the news, this is not the first time that the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor has been recommended in strategic reviews, the 2005 published McCann Report stated that the revival of the line would be highly beneficial, but was later shelved in 2011 as part of the Transport 21 project.
