The Transport Minister says he wants to see older rail lines in the west and south return to their original use, not turned into greenways.
Eamon Ryan says he wants to see a revived 'Western Atlantic Rail Corridor', spanning from Ballina in Mayo to Rosslare in Wexford.
There had been initial plans for the Claremorris to Athenry, and Waterford to Wexford lines to be turned into greenways.
Minister Ryan says the outcome of a strategic rail review will determine the future of these former tracks:
''In my mind are the likes of the Claremorris/Athenry railway, and also you'd look to Wexford to Waterford. The answer will come from the Strategic Rail Review which is due, subject to politics in the North, being released in the coming weeks. My vision and my view of where we're going to go is a revival of rail in our country , a revival of rail freight, and a revival of what I might call the Western Atlantic Rail Corridor.''
