Clare TD Joe Carey has called for clarification on the opening of the Western Rail Corridor, amid fears raised over its future in a government report.

According to the Fine Gael representative, the McCarthy Report aims to put the project "on the long finger".

Mr Carey said: "Initially we were told the line would be open in early summer. Then that was put back to late summer.

"Now Irish Rail has confirmed that it will be further delayed to December and that some of the machinery on the line has been switched for use on another route.

-- Advertisement --

"The suspicion locally, however, is that the staff and trains needed to run the Western Rail Corridor are not forthcoming."

Mr Carey claimed the west of Ireland has waited decades for proper rail links to be restored.

"West on Track states that over 100,000 people support the return of this vital transport link. The west needs a modern rail network," he said.

Mr Carey cited the re-opening of the Cork to Middleton line as a "huge success" with passenger take-up being "extremely high".

"The Ennis to Limerick line is another of the recent success stories for Irish Rail in terms of passenger uptake and demand for service."

He claimed the Western Rail Corridor has the potential to be as commercially successful.

"I am urging Irish Rail to open this line at the earliest opportunity and not be swayed by short-sighted financial thinking.

"The long term impact of having proper transport infrastructure for this region far outweighs any short term financial gains or savings," added the TD.

(PR/GK)