There are calls for a Luas type line to connect Northern Ireland with Sligo and Donegal.
A group of Government Ministers led by OPW minister Sean Canney has put forward the proposal as part of an assessment of the future of the railway service.
The proposal also calls for a railway division of An Garda Siochana to police train stations and budget airline style fares be introduced to boost passenger numbers on Irish rail.
A number of junior ministers including Donegal deputy Joe McHugh and eight other members of Dail Eireann are also supporting the proposals.
Speaking to Ocean FM the Minister of State for Regional Economic Development Michael Ring explained why he is supporting the creating of a light rail through the North West.
Rural Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice says there is no reason why the North West should not get such a rail link which will provide much-needed jobs:
