107. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made towards reopening the western rail corridor; if a decision on reopening the rail line will be made in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8894/25]

Sentiment score: 0.15

I ask the Minister of State to outline the progress that has been made towards the reopening of the western rail corridor. Will a decision be made in respect of that rail line in the near future? As the Minister of State will know, it is a long-awaited project that is absolutely critical to the west of Ireland.

Sentiment score: 0.17

I thank the Minister of State. The benefits of this project are clear and well-known. I know that the Minister of State knows the benefits very well. I recognise that he has been a long-time supporter of the rail line. I hope he will now deliver on it in government. It is critical for economic development in the west, people's mobility, taking cars off the road and addressing the chronic traffic problems in Galway. There are significant numbers of commuters in our constituency, including students and people attending hospital and so on, who are stuck in traffic for hours each day coming into and leaving Galway. This project would benefit them. It is critical for economic and balanced regional development, as the Minister of State knows well. We need State investment in our infrastructure to address that deficit. Did I pick up the Minister of State correctly on the timeline? Did he say he expects the project to commence in 2030? Is there a clear timeline?

Sentiment score: 0.16