“Keep the momentum going,” Mayo Senator presses for clarity on Western Rail Corridor

Construction of the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris is targeted to commence in 2028, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Sean Canney has confirmed.

Speaking in the Seanad in response to Mayo Senator Mark Duffy this morning (Thursday, September 24), Minister Canney said funding has been provided in the National Development Plan for construction to begin in 2028, with pre-construction activities already under way.

He said work currently includes vegetation clearance and detailed structural surveys along the route, including surveys of bridges and embankments and work relating to the reinstatement of the bridge at Ballyglunin.

Iarnród Éireann has also appointed a multidisciplinary consultant to assist with the preparation of project appraisal documents required under the infrastructure guidelines.

Senator Duffy welcomed the update and highlighted the potential of the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor to improve connectivity across the Western seaboard, including access to education, employment, tourism and medical services.

He also pointed to the strong support for reopening the route from communities and advocacy groups, including West on Track, as well as the expertise available locally in Mayo.

The Senator raised the issue of rail crossings along the route, stressing the importance of ensuring that investment in rail infrastructure does not negatively affect road users. He called for crossings and other elements of the design to be properly planned and future-proofed.

Minister Canney said he had convened a meeting involving Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Galway and Mayo County Councils, the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann to ensure a coordinated approach to the crossings and other potential issues.

He said the stakeholders were working together at the pre-planning stage to ensure that both the railway and roads would be operational when the project is completed.

The Athenry-Claremorris section is identified as the first major infrastructural project to be delivered under the Government’s rail project prioritisation strategy.

Minister Canney said the reinstated line would significantly improve rail connectivity in the West, linking communities including Claremorris, Castlebar and Westport with Athenry and onward connections to Galway and Limerick.

He also highlighted the potential benefits for rail freight, including improved connections to ports and alternative routes for freight travelling across the country.

The Government’s rail project prioritisation strategy was published in December 2025 following the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.

Senator Duffy said the success of existing rail services demonstrated the potential demand for investment, pointing to passenger numbers on the Limerick-Galway line, which have grown substantially since its opening.

He said strong performance on the Athenry-Claremorris phase could help demonstrate the case for further investment in rail connectivity across the western seaboard.