An expert group is to begin a viability study into the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor (WRC).
The Department of Transport is considering opening part or all of the rail line that runs from Cork via Limerick and Galway to Sligo.
The expert group conducting the study will be headed by Mr Pat McCann, chief executive of the Jurys Hotel Group, and will include county mangers and directors of regional authorities in the west.
There has been considerable pressure in the west for the move, but a study in 2001 found Connacht's population densities too low to merit reopening the line, while rail pressure group Platform 11 has argued money would be better spent elsewhere.
The Minster for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr Ó Cuív, last month called for a realistic approach to the issue.
But the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, today confirmed that although the last year's Strategic Rail Review did not include the reopening of the rail line, a viability study would begin soon.
Mr Brennan first indicated his intention to asses the merits of the WRC in February amid conflicting claims over cost. The Strategic Rail Review concluded that at an estimated cost of €570 million, it would not viable to reopen. But The West on Track campaign group has suggested a cost of €250 million.
Mr Brennan said: "The Western Rail Corridor has the potential to play a vital strategic role in the eventual rebalancing of the west coast with the east coast."