A passing loop between Athlone and Mayo, and a second platform at Sligo train station are among the recommendations in a new rail report.
The Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy says that the passing loop would allow an extra train every two hours between Dublin and Mayo and would decrease journey times by 10 minutes.
It also states that if what it lists as priority projects are delivered on, then journey times on the Galway-Dublin line could be down to an hour and a half.
The report also advocates for opportunities for economic development through freight, including a strategic corridor creation through a continuous rail link from Ballina to Claremorris, Athenry, Limerick, and Waterford.
