Major clearance works ongoing on old Mayo railway line

Following the commencement this week of major clearance works on the railway between Claremorris and Athenry, West on Track has welcomed the news that the rail line has been recommended by Cabinet for inclusion as part of Ireland’s Trans-European Transport (Ten-T) network together with the Rosslare to Waterford route.

The proposed Claremorris to Athenry and Waterford to Rosslare routes are provided for in the draft All-Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR).

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan is understood to be strongly supportive of developing the Claremorris - Athenry route without delay.

Speaking in Dáil Éireann he reiterated his support for the development of an Atlantic Rail Corridor from Ballina to Rosslare and announced that he had instructed Iarnród Éireann to clear the line.

“Obviously it is important that we give a signal to businesses in the West of Ireland that we’re in business on the Western Rail Corridor,” Minister Ryan said.

It is understood that a number of large multi-national companies in the west have written to the Minister indicating their desire to move their product sustainably by rail to the southern ports of Waterford and Foynes using the Western Rail Corridor.

A spokesman for West on Track said the development would provide a huge boost for the western region.

He expected that the railway would reopen for freight initially and for passengers thereafter.

Clearance work on the line began simultaneously at Athenry, Tuam and Claremorris on Wednesday morning and is expected to be completed early next year.