Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has hit out at the comments and called for clarity from the government on the issue.
MEP MacManus said: "He has decided to ignore national planning policy, the importance of the Atlantic Economic Corridor initiative and the need for regional connectivity by dismissing this very important project.
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"This will also anger many landowners who will be stuck in limbo for years to come.
"In the same meeting, Minister Ryan also outlined that there will be no railway line north of Claremorris in the medium term. It appears that as far as he is concerned, there is no need whatsoever for infrastructural investment in the West of Ireland.
"Government Ministers must immediately clarify that this vitally important project will be delivered on schedule. This would not be tolerated in any other part of the country and must not be accepted here."
