Western Rail Corridor a priority under new transport plan with N17 also progressing along with the Eastern Garavogue bridge
Seán Canney, Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has confirmed that the Western Rail Corridor (Claremorris–Athenry via Tuam) has been secured as a targeted priority project.
“The Western Rail Corridor is now firmly established as a targeted priority in this plan,” Minister Canney said. “This is the outcome of consistent, detailed work to ensure the West is fully represented. The project is scheduled for delivery by 2030, and enabling works can commence shortly.”
Extending the Western Rail Corridor northwards to Sligo is also under consideration, he said.
Under the plan, a series of new track passing loops are also included, covering the Sligo line, Westport/Ballina, Limerick to Waterford and the Dublin-Belfast Northern line, which will enable higher-frequency services.
A new platform at Limerick Junction will assist with train journeys between Galway/Ennis and Waterford. There are also additional platforms for stations on Galway and Sligo routes to help with rail resilience and services.
Minister Canney, who is responsible for the implementation of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, said the Review sets out further transformative options for the West and North-West. These measures are currently under consideration, including:
Double-tracking between Athenry and Galway “These measures form part of a long-term vision to rebuild rail capacity across the western seaboard and the North-West,” he said.
Minister Canney said the publication of the plan represents “a clear, strategic shift” towards delivering major transport investments for the West. “The Western Rail Corridor is prioritised, scheduled and ready to progress. The work continues but the foundations are now in place, and the West is firmly on the map.”
Meanwhile, Minister of State Marian Harkin has warmly welcomed the announcement by the Department of Transport that funding has been secured and plans are being finalised to advance the construction of the N17 from Knock to Collooney, the Eastern Garavogue Bridge and the Carrick on Shannon by-pass.
“These are all set to be under construction by 2030. Crucially, the N15 from Sligo to the county boundary will be reinstated and advanced through the different stages from appraisal, planning and design to construction,” Minister Harkin said.
The Transport Sectoral Plan published by the Department of Transport on foot of the review of the NDP is described by the Minister as a decisive move for balanced regional development.
“For decades, I have argued that balanced regional development must begin with proper infrastructure and connectivity, and today’s announcement shows that this principle is finally being put into action. The Northwest is seeing long-promised, long-overdue investment delivered.”
Among the key investments are:
Construction on the N17 – to be in train by 2030.
Works on the Eastern Garavogue Bridge and approach roads will also commence by 2030.
The N15 will be progressed to delivery-ready status within the next five years, with construction to follow.
The Carrick-on-Shannon bypass remains on track for construction by 2030.
“These commitments are not aspirational, they are backed by ring-fenced Government funding and guaranteed under the Programme for Government. These projects are moving ahead because balanced regional development is now a priority, not an afterthought,” Minister Harkin said.
She stressed the significance of this moment for the people of Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and the wider North West, “The N17, in particular, is a major national artery, yet for years it has been dangerous, outdated, and a brake on regional growth. Communities, businesses, farmers, and tourists have all felt the impact. Upgrading this route is essential if we are serious about supporting the Northwest on equal terms with the rest of the country.”
“Equally, the N15 has been in the pipeline for decades and, in fact, was ready for commencement just before the crash in 2008, it is a significant development to see it reinstated and earmarked for delivery. The improvements to the Eastern Garavogue Bridge and its approach roads have been sought for a long time,” Minister Harkin continued, “along with the completion of the Carrick on Shannon by-pass, these projects are set to transform the roads infrastructure in Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal.
“Balanced regional development is no longer just a slogan, we are seeing it delivered. These infrastructure commitments mark a major step toward a safer, stronger, and more prosperous North West,” Minister Harkin concluded.
Minister of State Frank Feighan also welcomed the plan’s inclusion of Sligo and Leitrim projects.
Investment in transport in Sligo and Leitrim represents a decisive step towards building the transport system Ireland needs for the decades ahead, he said.
Minister Feighan said: “Families, commuters and businesses in Leitrim and Sligo will feel the benefits from this programme through safer roads, faster journey times and stronger communities.”
In Leitrim projects such as the Carrick-on-Shannon By-Pass, further investment in the N4, Mullingar to Longford will develop our road network, reduce traffic hold ups and reduce driving times from our capital city to the North West while also improving safety as we work towards halving road deaths and serious injuries by 2030.
Meanwhile in Sligo projects like N17, Collooney to Knock, the Eastern Garavogue Bridge and Approach Roads, the N15 advancement and of course the N4 improvements previously mentioned will improve Sligo’s competitiveness and accessibility.
All of these projects are ones that I have pursued and campaigned for as a TD. Three years ago, I had to intervene to insure funding continued for the N17 and to keep it on track, I am thrilled to see the required funded in place to secure all of these important projects and ensure our region has the capacity to grow and prosper beyond 2030.
The annual indicated allocations for road networks increases steadily over the next four years, from €1.6bn in 2026 and 27, rising to €2.7bn by 2030.
Minister Feighan concluded by saying: “The Tánaiste, Simon Harris described this plan presents a once in a generation opportunity to transform Ireland’s infrastructure and secure the country’s future. Fine Gael pushed hard for a faster, more accountable system focused on delivery. This plan shows what can be achieved when ambition is matched with action.”
