Fresh push to reopen Milltown station ahead of Western Rail Corridor revival
The station, located at Pollaturick close to Milltown Business Park, opened in 1894 and closed to passenger services in 1963, with through freight services continuing into the early 1990s.
Although its reopening was previously proposed under the Government's Transport 21 programme, those plans did not proceed.
The Government aims to reopen the Athenry–Claremorris section of the Western Rail Corridor by 2030-31.
While the line would pass through Milltown, no decision has yet been made on reopening the station.
At last month's meeting of Galway County Council, Cllr Ollie Turner (FG) called on the local authority to publicly back the proposal.
"There is a lot of talk about the Athenry to Claremorris section," he said.
"I would urge Galway County Council to lend their support to reopen Milltown station. We would like to make it a possibility and we are anxious to hear back from the Minister. We are looking for supporters."
Speaking afterwards, Cllr Turner said that, like much of the Tuam to Claremorris section of the line, the track remains in place.
Milltown Community Council has formally submitted a proposal for the station to the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy.
The proposal includes an integrated park-and-ride facility as part of the Western Rail Corridor development.
"Milltown presents a 'shovel-ready' opportunity that satisfies national planning objectives for compact growth and decarbonisation," said Cllr Turner.
"I am looking for Galway County Council to reinforce this proposal with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly Executive and Iarnród Éireann."
Cllr Turner said Milltown was well placed for a station because the original station site and passing loop remain in place, reducing the amount of work required.
This, he said, would significantly lower "capital works costs and operational complexities for Iarnród Éireann".
He added that community-owned land beside the station could accommodate a park-and-ride facility, helping to ease congestion on the N17, while its location next to Milltown Business Park would improve access for workers.
He also said the town has the water and wastewater infrastructure needed to support future housing development around the station.
“Unlike many rural settlements, Milltown possesses an active, undersubscribed Group Water Scheme and an approved wastewater treatment plant framework, meaning the town can immediately absorb sustainable housing growth around the station," he added.
Meanwhile, Cllr Alan Harney (FG) said it is "vital" that plans for a second platform at Woodlawn station continue to progress.
The second platform at Woodlawn is included in the National Development Plan's transport investment programme.
"It is vital that we roll out that second platform at Woodlawn," he said, while also stating that there is strong demand for an hourly rail service.
Responding, Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said the local authority continues to press for an hourly rail service between Galway and Dublin Heuston.
"The evidence is there, the usage is there and we are providing facilities such as park and ride funding," he said.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.