Galway Senator, Niall Ó Brolcháin, has welcomed confirmation from the Transport Minister, Noel Dempsey that the second phase of the Western Rail Corridor is on track to open at the end of next year.

Senator Ó Brolcháin believes the opening of the Western Rail Corridor represents real value for money and is pleased that Minister Dempsey has reaffirmed his commitment to the project.

“I am pleased that Minister Dempsey has this month reaffirmed his commitment to opening the second phase of the WRC from Athenry to Tuam,” said Senator Ó Brolcháin.

“In fact, he has said it may be completed ahead of time and it is on track to be finished by the end of next year.

“This is great news for the people of Galway as it is an economic lifeline for the West.

“Already, the number of passengers using the recently opened Limerick to Galway section has exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. And the re-opening of the section between Ennis and Athenry cost less that €2 million per kilometer.”

“The real value of this can be seen when you compare it to the cost of the new Dublin to Cork motorway, which opened recently.”

“The new motorway and high-grade triple carriageway cost almost €11 million per kilometer, the final cost coming in at €2.6 billion.”


“It shows just how economically viable the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor actually is.”


“The figures speak for themselves and I have no doubt there will be strong passenger demand for the Galway to Tuam section when it is completed at the end of next year,” he concluded.