Iarnród Eireann denies rail dismantling plans

Iarnród Eireann has denied that it is planning to remove the western rail corridor between Sligo and Limerick.

The line has been out of commission for 20 years, but the track has been maintained.

Iarnrod Eireann will begin removing signals and crossovers on the Athenry to Claremorris section of the line on Monday, but a spokesman for the firm said the rails will be left intact.

Fianna Fail Senator Terry Leyden said the removal of any part of the line would go against government policy because the Western Regional Authority is currently supporting the re-opening of the line.