Western Rail Corridor Ireland in the abyss?

"Iarnród Éireann will need to give serious consideration to closing uneconomic routes, such as the link between Ennis, Co Clare, and Athenry, Co Galway, which carries an average of just eight passengers per train. This grim statistic suggests restoration of the Western Rail Corridor from Limerick all the way to Sligo was a political fantasy."

Oh dear, truth or fiction? Is it the failure to complete the project (eg to Sligo, re-open Crusheen, integrate with the closed Waterford Rosslare) or was it always a way to spend EU money recklessly, which is to blame? I am glad I was at re-opening day when it all seemed so good.  http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2012/0730/1224321093743.html . Picture is at Gort 30th March 2010.