Minister Canney: Western Rail Corridor Secured as Targeted Priority in New Transport Sectoral Plan

Angelina Nugent

26 Nov 2025

Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has confirmed that the Western Rail Corridor (Claremorris–Athenry via Tuam) has been secured as a targeted priority project in the Department of Transport’s Sectoral Plan for the revised National Development Plan.

“The Western Rail Corridor is now firmly established as a targeted priority in this plan,” Minister Canney said. “This is the outcome of consistent, detailed work to ensure the West is fully represented. The project is scheduled for delivery by 2030, and enabling works can commence shortly.

Extending the Western Rail Corridor northwards to Sligo is also under consideration.

Under the plan, a series of new track passing loops are also included, covering the Sligo line, Westport/Ballina, Limerick to Waterford and the Dublin-Belfast Northern line, which will enable higher-frequency services. A new platform at Limerick Junction will assist with train journeys between Galway/Ennis and Waterford. There are also additional platforms for stations on Galway and Sligo routes to help with rail resilience and services.

Minister Canney, who is responsible for the implementation of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, said the Review sets out further transformative options for the West and North-West. These measures are currently under consideration, including:

Double-tracking between Athenry and Galway

“These measures form part of a long-term vision to rebuild rail capacity across the western seaboard and the North-West,” he said.

Another key project listed is Bus Connects Galway. The various elements of the project are scheduled to be delivered between 2026 and 2030. This scheme will connect people and places through an enhanced bus system together with improved cycling and pedestrian facilities.

Also included in the plan is the Galway City Ring Road, which will commence construction as soon as planning permission has been obtained. This long-awaited project is critical to the further development of Galway City – by relieving congestion and creating a connected city.

The sectoral plan also confirms other key Galway transport projects will be advanced to the design and development stage including:

The Claregalway Bypass, and
The Athenry Inner Relief Road.

Minister Canney also highlighted the plan’s strong emphasis on Transport-Oriented Development (TOD). Five cities – including Galway – are designated for TOD, which prioritises housing, employment, public services and recreation within walking distance of high-quality public transport.

“Transport-Oriented Development is about building communities around transport, not cars,” he said. “Galway has significant development potential around Ceannt Station. If we want people to use public transport, then we must activate these central lands for housing and employment. This is the direction of modern transport planning.”

Minister Canney said the publication of the plan represents “a clear, strategic shift” towards delivering major transport investments for the West.

“The Western Rail Corridor is prioritised, scheduled and ready to progress. The work continues but the foundations are now in place, and the West is firmly on the map.”