- Irish Rail confirmed Government departments intervened in Western Rail Corridor plans.
- Trains will operate from Athenry to Claremorris by 2031.
- A National Rail Review will take place in 2034 rather than 2050.
- Irish Rail CEO Mary Considine confirmed representations from Government departments.
- Senator Nessa Cosgrove submitted a Freedom of Information request.
The confirmation came during a hearing of the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Transport following questioning by Senators and TDs including Sligo’s Nessa Cosgrove. Irish Rail CEO Mary Considine confirmed that representations from the Department of Transport and An Taoiseach were received prior to the decision to licence a greenway on the disused rail line.
Trains will operate on track from Athenry to Claremorris by 2031. A further National Rail Review will take place in 2034 rather than 2050 which could see the full reopening recommended. The conversion to a greenway would preserve the alignment of the track according to Irish Rail.
Senator Cosgrove has submitted a Freedom of Information request to Irish Rail seeking release of documents or communications from Government departments or elected members relating to the decision to reverse Irish Rail’s preference that the corridor be preserved for rail use only.
Nessa Cosgrove shared “It was clear from today’s interaction that there has been interference with Irish Rail’s business model and direction of travel. Mary Considine confirmed to myself and to other members of the committee that the Department of the Taoiseach and Department of Transport were involved in derailing their project to deliver the full reopening of the Western Rail Corridor.”
