A Galway East TD has called on the Minister for Transport to ensure that funding for the Western Rail Corridor is prioritised in the upcoming sectoral spending plan under the National Development Plan.

Louis O’Hara’s call follows comments made by Iarnród Éireann CEO, Mary Considine, in response to his questions at an Oireachtas Transport Committee hearing last week.

She outlined that the first stage of the Western Rail Corridor, between Athenry and Claremorris, could be delivered within three years of funding being allocated for the project.

She also said that while the second stage of the rail corridor, from Claremorris to Collooney, was not included in the current rail review, she was optimistic of the second stage being included in a later review.

“There isn’t a specific pot of funding allocated to this project at the moment so that is a constraint on the work,” said the Iarnród Éireann CEO.

“If there was no constraint on funding, this project could be probably delivered in three years or by the end of this decade to have at least construction well underway.”

Afterwards, Deputy O’Hara described the Western Rail Corridor as a key strategic project for the West and Northwest.

“The comments from the CEO of Iarnród Éireann are positive and reflect the growing case for the Western Rail Corridor to be prioritised for funding,” he said.

“The rail line from Athenry to Claremorris can be reopened in the lifetime of this Government if the political will is there and ultimately extended on to Sligo via Collooney.

“The Minister for Transport must ensure that this funding allocation is delivered in the upcoming NDP sectoral spending plans which are due to be published in the next number of weeks,” he added.

Pictured: Louis O’Hara T.D.