Going back to your mention of creating a rail network there are various issues that do not lend themselves to one.

For the most part the population outside the major cities (Dublin, Cork, Galway etc) live in fairly small, even isolated, communities that a rail network could not viably service. In order to commute a decent road network is essential.

Now I know down in West Cork where you reside such a network is long overdue but in other areas of the country numerous by-passes have been built to reduce travelling times. (although the N71 has been upgraded in some parts)

Going to the capital (and major port) has been made easier with the creation a system of motorways that facilitate transport. It is now possible to drive to Galway for instance in about 2 hours. Twenty years ago take would have taken 4 to 5 hours all subsidised by the EU.