Work officially began today on the laying of tracks in the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor.
It involves the redevelopment of the line between Ennis in Co Clare and Athenry in Co Galway at a cost of €106.5m.
The corridor's initial route will run between Limerick and Galway and is due to become operational in 2009.
The second and third phases will see the redevelopments of the lines between Athenry and Tuam - and Tuam and Claremorris - respectively.
The work is due to be completed by 2014.
