Phase one of Galway train station works will hopefully signal increased service in the future
Galway County Council has signed contracts for the first phase of works at Oranmore Station.
The signing was for advanced and enabling works to begin on the station. This work includes an underpass linking the new second platform to the 1km section of double track. This will increase train occurrence to service both directions every 30-minutes.
Calls for a change in railway infrastructure have been imminent with overcrowding and frequency being common complaints by commuters. Currently, there is one train going one direction every hour according to Galway East TD Sean Cannery.
“Part of the ambition is that public transport be available… and to get more and more people to use public transport. That will reduce the car traffic going into the city.”
Looking into the future, the remainder of the project will consist of a totally new platform north of the existing one as well as cycle routes, ramp access, passenger shelters, and lifts.
The Irish Independent reported in March this year when €24 million in plans were updates for both Oranmore Station and Ceannt Station in Galway City Centre.
The project is part funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Urban Development and Regeneration Fund (URDF) and part funded by the National Transport Authority.
Deputy Cannery says commuters should not be concerned about potential delays from the project, as the purpose of the early and advanced works is to support the current schedule while the new platform and other works are under construction.
Construction on the under pass was expected Autumn 2025 showing the project is right on track. Total completion of the works in the station, and the new train line frequency, are expected early 2027.