Claremorris line on track

Claremorris line on track despite worries over cutbacks


Anton McNulty

WEST-on-Track are confident that the the Western Rail Corridor will be connected to Claremorris by 2014, despite the uncertainty over the current economic environment.
Last week, an information evening was held in the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry where Irish Rail gave an update on the progress of the Western Rail Corridor. The first phase of the project, which connects Ennis to Athenry, is almost complete and services on the line are expected to begin in early 2009. When this phase is complete, the line is expected to be extended to Tuam and finally onto Claremorris by 2014.
The reopening of the Western Rail Corridor is funded by the Irish Government as part of the Transport 21 investment programme. However, over the last number of weeks there has been growing concern over the slowing economy and cutbacks which could affect infrastructural projects like the Western Rail Corridor. 
Despite the gloomy outlook, Colman Ó Raghallaigh of West-on-Track told The Mayo News that he was very positive regarding what he heard at the information evening and was looking forward to the start of the next phase of the project to Tuam. He said the Western Rail Corridor was the only public transport project for the whole western region and felt it would not make sense for the Government to cancel the project.
“West-on-Track are confident that when this phase is completed the project will continue on to Mayo. We are very happy with the work which is being done to the highest standard and we are confident the Western Rail Corridor will be a success. We believe, not withstanding the current economic uncertainty, that the Government are committed to the Western Rail Corridor because it understands the importance of the project for regional development.
“The line to Claremorris is scheduled to be completed by 2014 and we believe it could be completed before that. We don’t expect any delay and it would not make economic sense to delay the project. The construction process creates employment, tax income, and it will build for the future. This infrastructure is not just important for today but for the future generations,” he said.
The information evening was well attended with over 100 people travelling from Mayo, Galway and Clare to hear the briefing from Sinead Clair, Irish Rail’s Project Manager. Mr Ó Raghallaigh said that the Irish Rail representatives were extremely positive about the project and were happy to answer questions from the public.
While the Western Rail Corridor is only being extended to Claremorris, Mr Ó Raghallaigh said once the Claremorris line is completed he feels it will be a success and fully expects the go-ahead to be given for the completion of the Corridor to Sligo. He was confident this would happen in due course.