Iarnród Éireann lodges planning permission for Oranmore Upgrade

Iarnród Éireann will this week seek planning permission from Galway County Council for a major upgrade at Oranmore Train Station.

The project is set to double the frequency of trains operating between Galway and Athenry to every 30 minutes in each direction. It will see the construction of one kilometre of double track as well as a new 185-meter platform.

Currently, the Galway-Athenry line operates on a single track, which means trains are unable to pass each other in opposite directions. The new development will resolve this issue.

The new platform will be located north of the existing platform, and will be accessible via an underpass beneath the railway. The underpass will also serve as a dedicated cycle route to the lands north of the station. Access ramps, lifts, and stairs will guarantee that both platforms are reachable from all related infrastructure, including customer information signs, lighting, CCTV, and passenger shelters. Seating will also be available.

The project is part funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Urban Development and Regeneration Fund (URDF) and with match funding provided by the Department of Transport/ National Transport Authority.

The advanced enabling works, which include moving the electrical, telecommunication, and signaling infrastructure, are scheduled to begin in late 2024. In autumn 2025, construction of the major improvements is scheduled to start, pending clearance from financing and planning authorities.

Fine Gael TD for Galway West Hildegarde Naughton published a video response to the planning permission being lodged on the Social media platforms ‘X’ and ‘Facebook’ yesterday (September 25). https://x.com/1Hildegarde/status/1838880562280309224

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan says: “The development of this new platform and double tracking works will help provide a more frequent rail service for the people of Oranmore and Galway. Investing in projects such as these helps provide connectivity for communities while also supporting our decarbonisation goals.”