Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
357. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided under the NDP for the double tracking of the rail line between Galway City and Athenry; the expected timeframe for the delivery of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4237/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Transport is working with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) to progress a number of rail projects in Galway, including double tracking of the line between Athenry and Galway.
In order to progress this project, Iarnród Eireann appointed a Multidisciplinary Engineering Consultancy and the Galway Line Capacity Study commenced last summer. The development of an emerging preferred option is expected to be identified later this year.
Separately and related, works commenced at Oranmore station last October. This project will provide an additional platform and a passing loop, increasing capacity on the Galway to Athenry line. This project is scheduled to be completed next year and will be of immediate benefit to the route.
Works are also progressing to upgrade Galway Ceannt station, and these works, which are scheduled to be completed later this year, will increase the number of platforms from two to five, which will support the growth in train service frequencies envisioned under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.
In order to start making the vision set out in the Rail Review a reality, the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, which my Department published in November last year, provides funding to advance a number of Early Interventions, to be delivered by 2030, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity. Included in these Early interventions are new platforms at Clara and Woodlawn on the Galway line, which will support journeys between Dublin and Galway.
The Sectoral Plan also provides funding to commence the construction of the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry.
Progressing these projects in the years ahead will deliver an enhanced rail service for the people of Galway.
Noting the NTA and IÉ's responsibility in the matters referred to, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
