Western Rail Corridor / Rail Trail Discussion

Confirmed by Minister Ryan yet again today, CLEARLY, that the line north of Claremorris should be used as a Mayo/Sligo Greenway

Delighted to see that Claremorris to Athenry is to be electrified. Looking forward to seeing more detail on that.

"A new review of rail services on both sides of the Border sets out a vision of greater frequency and higher speeds.

There will be a new electrified railway in the west between Athenry and Claremorris, taking in Tuam along the way.

And there will be a new electric rail from Limerick city to Shannon ­Airport, as well as out to the Port of Foynes.

Another major innovation will be an electrified railway between Waterford and Wexford for the first time.

Commuters from one city to ­another are being promised that their journey times will be significantly reduced through higher speeds.

Expansion of rail coverage – including the much-promised western rail corridor – will mean greater reach. Ireland’s rail network would increase from 2,300km in length to almost 3,000km under the recommendations."

We've a different definition of the word sensationalism. The line would already be open were it not for the last recession so nothing radical about it. Looking forward to seeing our regional western towns linked up finally once more.

Maybe have yet another report. 1st report was done in 2004 or there abouts? 20yrs ago.

The Irish Independent is a national paper so I had no reason to not believe it. It's not like I quoted some random social media post. So I wasn't 'spreading bad journalism' as you are trying to suggest. I hadn't seen the source document but I shouldn't need to in order to share a posted article.

As a keen cyclist I follow Irish Cycle online and it's a fine resource but even Cian has had to issue corrections to his articles in the past. I've already accepted the Independent article seemed to have a mistake but I'm not sure what more you want me to say on that. I'm certainly not interested in any condescending 'lesson learned' lectures from you on it any further.

You’re suggesting more reports?

I'm all for checks and balances but we don’t need more reports to tell us we should connect our primary airports to the rail network, or to double track more mainlines. Every time a project is held for more reports the cost goes up 10%+ by the time that report is published. As I said, time for courage.

When I said ‘courage to implement’ I do mean proceeding with the next steps towards making them happen - so I don’t think we’re in total disagreement.

However, when you say it’s not government policy, how does that differ from the Minister For Transport presenting the AIRR as a plan towards 2050?

There is an official national infrastructure plan to 2040 - the NDP. The AISRR seems to be the minister's pet project, I wouldn't expect to hear much about it after he has left the position (which will be within the next 10 months).

Are CBAs for individual projects published?

Are CBAs done for road projects?

https://www.clarecoco.ie/your-council/%5Bnews%5D/community-hears-of-strong-demand-and-economic-benefit-to-reopen-crusheen-railway-station.html

As has been mentioned in another forum, it looks like Crusheen station has moved one step closer to becoming a reality. Cost claimed at €4.5m, although the platform will probably need to be longer than the 4 carriage 2600 in the artist’s impression.

So the local community says there is strong demand for a station at Crusheen. I hope it a bit stronger than at Ardrahan and Craughwell.