West=On=Track -News

Western Rail Corridor "key project to integrate the national rail network"

Press Release - 29th September 2005

The reopening of the Western Rail Corridor has been described by A and L Goodbody Consulting as a "key project" in integrating Ireland's national rail network.

In a major report entitled "Ireland's Strategic Infrastructure Investment 2020" the consultants state that "in order to achieve the goal of balanced regional development in line with the National Spatial Strategy, significant investment is required to develop facilities such as broadband infrastructure, road and rail infrastructure and water and waste services in the designated gateway areas, hub areas, and along the main transport corridors."

Crucially, they also state that "infrastructure is a long term asset and needs to be put in place ahead of proven demand."

They also note that an expert working group has estimated the projected total cost of reopening the line at euro365.7 million.

The West on Track Community campaign has welcomed the Goodbody report as further evidence of the need for positive initiatives to progress the early re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor.

It is widely expected that the Government will shortly make a positive announcement regarding the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor and that it will from part of the National Transport Plan which is expected to be published next month.