Work is now underway on phase one of the €106.5m Western Rail Corridor redevelopment.
The laying of tracks has begun on the line between Ennis and Athenry.
The investment project delivered by Iarnród Éireann involves renewal of 36 miles of track, including all necessary fencing and drainage and installation of points and crossings at Gort and Ennis.
The 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 between Tuam and Claremorris respectively.
The reopening of the Western Rail Corridor is funded by the Irish Government as part of the Transport 21 investment programme, after a gap of over 30 years since the last scheduled services on the line.
The work is due to be completed by 2014.
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