Call to reestablish the Sligo to Limerick rail line in the west of Ireland.
The 1960s and 1970s saw the gradual closure of the western rail corridor, a line which ran from Sligo to Limerick. Improvements in Ireland's road network and private car ownership resulted in a decline in demand for train services.
The last time a train passed through Milltown station in County Galway was 1963 and former stationmaster John Green doubts if the line will ever be reopened.
Secretary of the Western Rail Committee Fr Micheál Mac Gréil believes that re-establishing the rail line will have concrete benefits and is,
In the interests of the welfare of the west of Ireland.
The success of east coast rail lines shows that commuters will choose rail travel, says Neil Sheridan from the Mayo County Development Board,
We envy very much what’s happening over there.
At present, Irish Rail does not have funds to re-open the Sligo to Limerick line, but this could change should resources become available. Iarnród Éireann service planning manager Myles McHugh, acknowledges that such a service could be viable.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 31 May 2011. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
