Statement from Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the WDC, on the publication of the National Development Plan Review 2025 Sectoral Investment Plan: Transport
The Western Development Commission welcomes the publication of the updated National Development Transport Implementation Plan and the clarity it brings to key transport investments across the West and the North West. This direction is important for communities and businesses that depend on safe, reliable and efficient connections within and beyond the region.
Many of the projects highlighted align with long-standing WDC priorities, including progress on the N17 Knock to Collooney, the N4 Carrick on Shannon bypass, the Eastern Garavogue Bridge and approach roads, improvements on the N15 in north Sligo and south Donegal, and continued work on the N59. We also note the inclusion of the Donegal TEN-T project and the Fintra Bridge scheme as part of a broader commitment to improved regional connectivity.
Rail plays a central role in today’s announcement. The designation of the Western Rail Corridor as a targeted priority project marks an important milestone for the region and represents a significant commitment to long-term sustainable mobility. References to further improvements on the Galway and Sligo rail lines are also positive and will be important for enhancing capacity and resilience. The WDC will continue to engage constructively with government and regional partners as this work develops.
Clarity on the Galway City Ring Road is welcome given its long-standing strategic importance for mobility, access and regional development. The WDC also notes the work underway on the Regional Airports Plan 2026–2030 and the commitment to continued engagement with regional airports. In this context, progress on the Shannon Airport Access Road will remain important for wider regional connectivity.
In the coming days, the WDC Policy Team will publish an initial insights paper assessing today’s announcements in the context of our broader policy analysis and previous submissions. This will help inform discussion as the plan progresses toward delivery and as further detail becomes available.
The Western Development Commission looks forward to working with government, local authorities and regional partners to ensure that today’s commitments translate into meaningful improvements for people, enterprise and communities across the West and the North West.
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Read what it means for transport connectivity and sustainable mobility in the Western Region.
