Sinn Féin's Louis O’Hara has welcomed funding for reopening the Western Rail Corridor from Athenry to Claremorris.
The Galway East TD also expressed disappointment that no funding has been allocated for double tracking the rail line between Athenry and Galway, and that yesterday's National Development Plan announcement contained no mention of the GLUAS light rail project, or a date for the Claregalway bypass.
“The allocation of funding, and a timeline for the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor from Athenry to Claremorris, is very welcome news," he said.
“The benefits are well known in terms of taking cars off the road, reducing congestion, enhancing our freight potential, and delivering a sustainable transport link for the people of north Galway and Mayo to Galway city and further afield.
“The project will also provide a significant economic boost for our region and contribute to balanced regional development.
“This news comes after years of tireless campaigning by rail advocates across the West of Ireland. I would like to pay tribute to Colmán O’Raghailligh, and West on Track in particular, whose relentless activism has made this project a reality.
“The Irish Rail CEO recently stated in response to my question at the Oireachtas Transport Committee that this project could be completed within three years once funding is in place. It is important now that the project is progressed quickly, and delivered in a timely manner.
“Apart from the Western Rail Corridor, [this] plan lacks ambition for the West of Ireland," said O'Hara in relation to Gluas and Galway-Athenry rail. "There is still a long way to go to achieve real balanced regional development in this State."
