632. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the western rail corridor works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59034/26]

633. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport for an update on progress made to date on the western rail corridor; the status of all planned phases of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59035/26]

634. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the western rail corridor project, including the status of the Athenry to Claremorris section, the expected timeline for delivery of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59036/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 632, 633 and 634 together.

Following the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, my Department, with the support of the European Investment Bank and in conjunction with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and rail stakeholders across the island, oversaw the preparation of the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy. This Strategy was published in December 2025 and outlines the approach to sequencing and optimising the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in the coming years.

In the short-term, the Prioritisation Strategy specifies a number of 'Early Interventions' to be delivered by 2030, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity, including on the Dublin to Galway line a second platforms at Clara and Woodlawn stations. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the current National Development Plan.

The Prioritisation Strategy also identifies 'Major Projects' with longer lead-in and development timelines. Among these is the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry. The National Development Plan includes funding to commence construction of this reinstatement project, subject to procurement and any necessary planning or other approvals. Early work is already underway in terms of clearing vegetation on the line. Iarnród Éireann has also appointed a multi-disciplinary consultant to prepare appraisal documents required for the scheme.

It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.