The letter sought to make the project part of the EU’s core transport network – called the ‘Ten T’ – and it corrects an earlier government decision to withdraw from the funding scheme.

For an explanation of what’s going on in Brussels, Mark Godfrey spoke to MEP Matt Carthy, who has been promoting the rail project in the European Parliament. Mark also asked the MEP how changes to the EU’s agriculture budget will impact payments to farmers in Mayo.

A recent letter from the Minister of Transport to the EU Commission could be a big help in getting EU funding for the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor connecting Claremorris to Sligo and Galway.