Transport campaign priest believes western line will re-open

The former Maynooth sociology professor and campaigner for the regeneration of the west of Ireland, Fr Micheál Mac Greil, has said he is satisfied that the western rail corridor which would link Limerick with Sligo will be fully re-opened despite the state of government finances and irrespective of who is in power.

Speaking after meeting a cross-party group of TDs and senators from the west of Ireland, he acknowledged that the full restoration of the line - much of which was closed several decades ago - would need “a political decision.”

Fr Mac Greil said that the rail infrastructure had enormous potential for passengers and freight.

The Western Rail Corridor was a classic example of a “desirable front-loading infrastructural investment that fits in well into the national spatial strategy policy,” he remarked.

It would, he said, link the airports at Waterford, Cork, Shannon, Galway, Knock and Sligo, through the cross-radial link between Rosslare and Sligo.

Furthermore, said Fr Mac Greil, if the Western Corridor became operational again, it would also connect the north-west, west and mid-west of the country with the major deep-sea ports at Foynes, Cork, Waterford and Rosslare.

He said he had told the Oireachtas representatives that the immediate need was to secure confirmation that the second phase of the development from Athenry to Claremorris via Tuam would proceed.

He argued that this section would be even more successful than the recently re-opened Limerick - Athenry section of the line.

“In my opinion, investment in the enhancement of Ireland’s rail network is something that serious politicians should address.”

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