Minister Canney welcomes start of on-the-ground works for Western Rail Corridor as clearing begins at Tuam Station
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the beginning of clearance works on the Western Rail Corridor at Tuam Station, marking visible on-site activity ahead of the project’s progression.
The clearing of vegetation and preparation of the rail bed at Tuam forms part of the early enabling work for the Athenry-Claremorris section of the Western Rail Corridor, which was recently secured as a targeted priority in the Department of Transport’s new Sectoral Plan for the revised National Development Plan.
Minister Canney, who was at Tuam Station this week to view initial works, said the start of clearance activity represents a significant and symbolic moment for the region.
“Today is a great day for Tuam and for the West,” the Minister said. “Standing here on the rail line at Tuam Station and seeing clearing work getting underway shows the real, tangible progress being made. This is the first physical step towards restoring rail services through Tuam and onto Claremorris, from Athenry, reconnecting Galway and Mayo and strengthening the West’s transport network.”
“The Western Rail Corridor is prioritised, scheduled and ready to progress. This week’s activity on the ground at Tuam is the first sign of that commitment being put into action. I will continue to work to ensure that trains return to Tuam and onto Claremorris and join Mayo to Galway and that this vital corridor is re-established for communities across the West.”
The Minister also reiterated that extending the Western Rail Corridor northwards to Sligo remains under active consideration.