West=On=Track - News

Local election candidate says decentralisation is a great opportunity for Western Rail Corridor

Press Release
Monday Februry 2nd 2004

The location of Government Departments in Knock and Claremorris is a huge boost for the Western Rail Corridor says Green Party local election candidate Kieran Cunnane. The announcement is a major boost for rural revitalization, but if the Rail project were in place, so much more could be achieved. Mr. Cunnane who is running in the North and East Ward of Galway City describes the proposed rail project as the most important event in the recent history of the West of Ireland. Every town and city on the route including Galway City will benefit hugely.

Mr. Cunnane says "I have no doubt at all that it will happen; the question is has someone got the vision to run with it now". He believes the idea is really gaining momentum and West on Track group must be commended on what has been a great campaign so far. "We need politicians, community representatives, Chambers of Commerce, and interested people in both rural and urban areas to get behind and support West on Track. This is an issue where the region should present itself as a unified front. I foresee students, tourists, old age pensioners and commuters all using the train from Sligo and Ballina to Galway, Cork, and Limerck. Very soon, we could have commuter trains from Tuam, Athenry and Gort into Galway City and the resumption of rail freight."

Mr. Cunnane says the investment required is miniscule compared for example with Dublin Metro. Some critics say rail needs subsidies, but we forget that road traffic is also very heavily subsidised by the taxpayer. With road costs spiraling out of control, the National Spatial Strategy looks less and less achievable. By implementing the Western Rail Corridor at a fraction of the cost, the future for Ireland looks bright and anything is possible.