Sligo County Council backing for Western rail corridor in its Development Plan

Proposing the motion, Sligo’s Mayor, Cllr Declan Bree said: “In my opinion the re-opening of the rail service from Sligo to Galway will enable regional development in line with the National Planning Framework strategy, which will help allow the West to compete on an equal footing with Dublin and the East.

“The Western Rail Corridor is a key piece of infrastructure for the West and will link the economies of three major centres, Sligo, Galway and Limerick.

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“The re-opening of the line will allow a sustainable commuting option for rural, village and small town residents along the route who will have the option of living at home and working or studying in the larger urban centres, such as Sligo or Galway.

“Last year the former Taoiseach said it was his view that rail will play a very important part in underpinning economic development in the west.

“And it is my opinion that if central government seriously wants to achieve balanced regional development, it needs to facilitate it happening by investing in our rail infrastructure, particularly in terms of re-opening the Western Rail Corridor.

“The most recent proposal to reactivate the section of the rail corridor from Athenry to Claremorris as part of a strategic freight route is most welcome as is the Government decision to apply for EU funding for the initiative.

“And the members of Galway County Council and Mayo County Council are to be congratulated for bringing about this breakthrough. It is clear evidence that where there is the will, central government can be won over.

“However, I was very disappointed to see the omission of any serious proposal for the final 47 mile section of the rail line linking Claremorris with Collooney.

“This, I believe, is due to the fact that there are mixed messages emanating from county Sligo.

“Members of Mayo and Galway County Councils have been strong and united and have lobbied with one voice in support of the re-opening of the rail corridor. And it is obvious that their voice is being heard by the decision makers.

“However, this Council has been sending out mixed messages and signals. Indeed it would appear that some people do not support the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor.

“In this context I believe we should make it abundantly clear in our County Development Plan that we are 100% supportive of the re-opening of the rail link from Sligo to Galway.

“While I am pleased with the references to the Western Rail Corridor included in the ‘Sligo Local Transport Plan’ I feel the we need to more definite in the main document. Therefore in Chapter 9, of our Development Plan, Transport Strategy, I am proposing that an additional strategic objective be included.”

Cllr Bree propose: “That the following strategic objective be included after SO-TRA-6: “Support the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor in order to deliver the Sligo – Claremorris – Tuam – Athenry Rail to an appropriate level of service and at a standard capable of facilitating passenger and freight transport and present an opportunity to provide an integrated rail linkage to the Ireland West Airport Knock.”

Cllr Bree’s proposal was seconded by Cllr Thomas Healy and was unanimously adopted.