155. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport if he would support the inclusion of a feasibility study into the viability of a Shannon airport to Limerick rail link using the Western Rail Corridor. [67125/26]

Following the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, the Department of Transport 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 to 2030, the Prioritisation Strategy specifies a number of 'Early Interventions' to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the National Development Plan (NDP).

The Strategy also identifies Major Projects, generally targeted for delivery between 2030 and 2040, such as intercity electrification and significant capacity upgrades on the rail network, including on the Dublin to Cork and the Limerick to Limerick Junction rail lines. Among these Major Projects, the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry is funded to commence construction in the coming years under the NDP.

All-Island Strategic Rail Review projects not included in the Strategy, including the spur to Shannon Airport, are intended to be progressed in the longer-run.