TUAM RAIL LINE TO TOP AGENDA OF WEST ON TRACK CONFERENCE

Date Published: 19-Mar-2013

The future of the Tuam to Galway commuter rail line will top the agenda at the delegate conference of West-on-Track in May.

The group says a recent re-examination of the costing of the project by Iarnrod Eireann has estimated the cost of the rail line at 38 million euro, a drop of 20 million on previous proposals.

It would utilise the existing route from Galway to Athenry, then branch north to Tuam, with just one train allowed on the track at any given time, reducing signalling costs.

The Athenry to Claremorris section of the line is proving more contentious with a Greenway group hoping that it's transformed into a cycling and walking route.

West-on-Track says it's confident the project will now be included as part of the next national public transport programme, providing an econonic boost to the area.

Spokesperson for West-on-Track, Councillor Peter Feeney told Galway Bay fm news that a greenway along the route just wouldn't be feasible.