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West=On=Track - News

Western Rail Corridor
- a key priority for Fine Gael

11 June 2003

Fine Gael Statement at official launch of West=On=Track Campaign

Transport Minister Seamus Brennan should immediately review the Strategic Rail Review (SRR) Report with a view to reopening the Western Rail Corridor, Fine Gael transport spokesperson Denis Naughten TD said today (Wednesday).

Speaking after the launch of the 'West on Track' campaign in Athenry, Co. Galway this evening, Deputy Naughten said 'getting this line re-opened in the immediate future is a priority for Fine Gael, and we intend to pursue the Minister on this key infrastructural development'.

"Although the SRR report is supposed to adhere to the National Spatial Strategy, nearly all of its recommendations concern Dublin projects. Little or no thought has gone into the role our national rail system can play in promoting decentralisation or the National Spatial Strategy.

"But if the rail system was properly managed, it would boost economic growth in rural Ireland, and help alleviate the pressures on our capital.

"Fine Gael believes the Western Rail Corridor should be used to stimulate development in this area, rather than follow development into the area. But the typical Government response is to wait until development nodes and growth areas along the Western Corridor have become established before it will even consider the rail link.

"If the Minister for Transport is serious about decentralisation and the balanced regional development outlined in the Spatial Strategy, he must kick start the process by providing the investment.

The key steps, which must be immediately taken by the Minister for Transport, are:

  • Invest in the western rail line to make the line viable (a key objective of EU transport policy)
  • Develop commuter services to Sligo, Galway & Limerick and the Mayo Link between Ballina, Castlebar & Westport
  • Expand the network to include Knock and Shannon Airports, ensuring their future viability following the Government's decision to abandon the Shannon stopover
  • Immediately use Arrow type railcars on the Western Rail Corridor
  • Use tax credits to encourage commuters to use the public transport system
  • Provide timetables that will allow an interconnection service in the region
  • Provide a bus shuttle service at all depots to take passengers to and from rail stations
  • Introduce a structured subsidy to encourage the use of rail freight, which will ease the pressure on the region's sub-standard road network.

"A vibrant region in the modern age needs a proper road and rail infrastructure to attract and compete at the top level, and to encourage employment and investment to its area. A trade-off of one in favour of the other is not an option, even in this time of economic uncertainty."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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