West=On=Track -News

Work has already started on Western Rail Corridor - Ó Cuiv

Tuam Herald - Thursday 2nd February 2006

By TONY GALVIN

Work has already begun on the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor, according to Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon O Cuiv who told at gathering at Knock Airport on Monday that the Government was committed to improving the transport infrastructure in the West.

Minister O Cuiv was in Knock for the launch of new state-of-the-art fire tendering equipment and took the opportunity to reiterate the Government's commitment to projects such as the Rail Corridor, the Atlantic Road Corridor and the decentralisation process.

Minister O Cuiv stated that progress was being made on several major projects which would have significant impact on the West and within a short few years the benefits would be felt throughout the region.

Preliminary and planning work had already begun to ensure developments in towns such as Tuam, Athenry, Milltown and Claremorris do not put obstacles in the way of the Western Rail Corridor.

However, he did warn that the remaining section of the line from Claremorris to Collooney in Sligo will require further studies before a decision is made in relation to its reopening.

"Transport 21 commits to developing the Western Rail Corridor in phases. Following the launch of Transport 21, the Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, asked Iarnród Éireann to give immediate attention to the design and planning stages of the first phase of development from Ennis to Athenry.

"I understand that the company has already begun this work and will shortly undertake detailed scoping on the requirements for the technical aspects associated with reopening the line. While Transport 21 anticipates the completion of this section of the line in 2008 and the reopening of all sections to Claremorris by 2014, Iarnród Éireann have been encouraged to accelerate delivery of the programme wherever possible," he told those gather at Knock on Monday.

In a measure designed to reassure sceptics, moves have been made to preserve the western rail line in its entirety to prevent any development which might hinder its re-opening.