Cullen approves funding for western rail route

The Government has approved funding for the phased restoration of the Western Rail Corridor from Limerick to Sligo.

Minister for Transport Martin Cullen said today Iarnród Éireann had been given the green light to develop the first phase of the corridor between Ennis and Athenry.

Mr Cullen said the Government had also approved funding for the development of the second phase of the corridor between Athenry and Tuam, subject to completion by Irish Rail of a fuller appraisal of this section.

He said he had requested Iarnród Éireann to proceed with the detailed planning and design of the project.

Today's announcement gives the company the go-ahead to commence line clearance work; undertake detailed design, including level crossing survey work; enter into discussions with land owners and local authorities; and begin design of bridges and the signalling scheme on the Ennis-to-Athenry section.

Under the Government's Transport 21plan, the Western Rail Corridor is to be reopened on a phased basis with the Ennis-to-Athenry section due to be completed in 2008, the Athenry-to-Tuam section in 2011 and the Tuam-to-Claremorris section in 2014.

Mr Cullen said: "The reinstatement of the Ennis-to-Athenry section of the line will allow the introduction of scheduled train services between Limerick and Galway, the enhancement of existing commuter services between Ennis and Limerick and the development of the Galway Commuter Rail service between Galway and Athenry."

He said: "Galway commuter services from Tuam will subsequently be developed under phase two of the project".