West=On=Track -News

Minister Ó Cuív announces further railway clearance work

Press Release - Wednesday 31st March 2006

Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs confirmed today that his Department officials have received proposals from Iarnród Eireann to proceed with work to prepare for the preservation of the railway line from Claremorris to Collooney. This is on the basis of the undertaking given in Transport 21 that funds in the order of euro5 million would be provided from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for this work.

This proposal is being advanced and must be approved by the board of Iarnród Eireann and other relevant State interests before preparatory work can proceed. Subject to these approvals, it is anticipated that the clearance work can begin in September this year, in line with requirements on hedgerow clearance, bird nesting needs etc.

"Now that Iarnród Éireann have completed the scoping work on the line and have an accurate estimate of the cost involved, it is hoped to finalise arrangements in relation to this funding as speedily as possible. The preservation of the right of way is vital to the long-term goal of reopening the line from Limerick to Sligo and this work will signify the Government's clear intention in this regard."
Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs