Ireland West Airport, Knock, County Mayo. Photo: Michael McLaughlin.
Ireland West Airport is calling for the upgrade of critically important rail and road infrastructure following the recent publication of All-Ireland Rail Review Report.
The Rail Review Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions.
The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, involving additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes.
In response to the publication of the All-Ireland Rail review report, staff at Ireland West Airport believes the upgrade of the N17 to Motorway status and the restoration of the currently disused Sligo-Galway railway is of ‘critical importance’ to support the airport’s growth.
“The upgrading of the N17 to motorway status and the restoration of the currently disused Sligo-Galway railway in order to provide modern and efficient connectivity to the airport is of critical importance to support the airport’s future growth plans which include achieving the major milestone of one million passengers in the next number of years.
“The Rail Review Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050Rail is the most sustainable form of transport and the extension of the Western Rail Corridor from Athenry to Claremorris as outlined in today’s All Ireland Rail Report is welcome.
The Airport Board also believes that the further development of this rail corridor onwards from Claremorris for both passenger and freight to Sligo with sustainable connectivity from Charlestown into the Airport would significantly contribute to the future sustainable development of ground transportation to and from Ireland West Airport.
“A strategic connection to the rail network would contribute significantly to a more integrated and sustainable form of travel for the many international visitors and travelling public using the airport from across the Region,” said an airport spokesperson.
The airport now serves more than 21 destinations across Europe and the UK with thousands of passengers travelling to and from key overseas markets in places such as Cologne, Milan and further afield, thanks to the connectivity now in place with Ryanair and our daily Aer Lingus Heathrow service, which opens the West to over 80 additional markets across the US, Asia and Australia.