Mayo TD hails long-awaited WRC commitment as a “win for the west”
Deputy Paul Lawless has welcomed today’s “long-awaited green light for the Athenry-to-Claremorris section of the Western Rail Corridor”, describing it as “a breakthrough moment for balanced regional development and long-overdue recognition of the west’s potential.”
Deputy Lawless said:
“I want to sincerely commend the West on Track campaign group, and particularly Colman Ó Raghallaigh, for driving this campaign. I also want to acknowledge the work of many elected representatives in the Oireachtas and Mayo County Council, and all those who campaigned tirelessly for this project. I know that there have been some independent Ministers from the west of Ireland who have lobbied hard for this behind the scenes, and credit where credit is due to them.
“For years, the Western Rail Corridor has been treated as a 'half-forgotten daydream' by successive Governments—a political carrot dangled before the people of the west. The confirmation of funding for the Claremorris-to-Athenry section, with works promised to begin within the next 18 months, is a long-overdue and essential first step. This segment will connect Ballina, Westport, and Castlebar to Galway, Limerick, Cork, and Waterford, creating a vital economic and social spine for the region.”
Deputy Lawless highlighted the broader significance of the project, which was strongly recommended in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review:
“The re-establishment of the WRC will be a catalyst for economic growth and a necessity for balanced regional development. It will provide a sustainable transport alternative, linking major towns and making the west a more viable place for young families to live and work.”
Deputy Lawless concluded:
“We must also not forget the Claremorris-to-Sligo line. We need a commitment that the full potential of the Western Rail Corridor will be realised. The people of Mayo and the west have fought tirelessly for this. Aontú will continue to hold the Government to account on the delivery of this project.”