Iarnród Éireann (IE ) has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing the Western Rail Corridor (WRC ) back into use, describing the project as an “absolute priority” for the organisation amid what it says is a “significant change in momentum” towards reinstating the currently disused route.
The news comes following statements made by Iarnród Éireann's chairman of the board, Steve Murphy, during his appearance on The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk on Tuesday afternoon. During the interview, Murphy described the reinstatement and extension of the existing WRC as an absolute priority for the national rail operator.
Standing at the centre of this is the Tuam Railway Station, which closed to passengers in 1976 before ceasing operations in 1978. Constructed in 1860, the station in Tuam was part of the Limerick to Sligo railway line, connecting Athenry to Claremorris.
Following the "huge success" and major growth of the Limerick to Galway services via Ennis to Athenry, IE confirmed to the Galway Advertiser that its attention is now firmly on the reconnection of these lines.
The organisation also pointed to progress being made through the current All-Island Strategic Rail Review. “Phase 2 from Athenry to Claremorris is included in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review for development, and we look forward to progressing this,” the statement continued.
Looking beyond Phase Two, Iarnród Éireann added that an extension to Sligo may also become a realistic ambition in the near future. “It is clear that there has been a significant change in momentum towards reinstating the Western Rail Corridor, with Athenry to Claremorris indicated to be advanced as a short-term intervention under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.”
Highlighting the increase in demand for rail transport across the country, Iarnród Éireann noted that public policy plays a key role in its ongoing work. “Our judgement, and which experience of the growth of demand for Limerick to Galway services would support, is that this increases the likelihood of Claremorris to Collooney being strongly considered in any first review of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, the timing for which will be a matter for the Department of Transport.
"Our first consideration has always been based on an assessment of public policy as it relates to the potential for reinstatement of an alignment as a rail route, and this informs our position on this matter."
