West=On=Track - News

Galway PD Deputy lends support to re-opening of Western Rail Corridor

Press Release 11th November 2004

The Galway Progressive Democrat deputy, Mr. Noel Grealish TD, has stated that he fully supports the re-opening of the entire Sligo - Galway- Limerick. Following a meeting with members of the West on Track Steering Committee, Deputy Grealish said he viewed the Western Rail Corridor as a most vital piece of national infrastructure which, when opened, would contribute significantly to the overall viability of the region as well as substantially easing the congestion being experienced at centres such as Claregalway, Craughwell, Gort, Tuam and Galway City.

Mr. Grealish said he recognised the importance of the project in delivering balanced regional development and in delivering the government's decentralisation policy and said he intended to raise the matter in the Dail with Transport minister, Martin Cullen and with his party leader, the Tánaiste, Mary Harney.

Mr. Grealish added that the WRC project was clearly in keeping with the National Spatial Strategy as it connects the gateway cities of Sligo, Galway and Limerick with the hub centres of Shannon/Ennis, Tuam, Castlebar and Ballina and said he believed it would bring enormous benefits to all communities in the west of Ireland.

He also complimented the West on Track group on mobilising such widespread support throughout the entire region.

Mr. John Joe Conwell, spokesman for West on Track in Galway, said that they had found the meeting "very productive" and added that it had been noted that with government committment and backing, the entire project could be completed within two years. This was in stark contrast to the long delays envisaged in providing even a simple by-pass for hard-pressed communities like the people of Claregalway.