Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
106. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline any plans, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, to provide an earlier weekday rail service from Ballinasloe to Galway city, as the current earliest departure at 7.44 am does not meet the needs of many commuters and contributes to increased road traffic congestion. [15554/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPassenger numbers on our public transport network have grown very strongly in recent years, reflecting increased demand and a welcome shift towards sustainable travel. This success does bring some pressures at peak times, including on the Ballinasloe-Galway corridor.
Iarnród Éireann is currently operating all available trains across the network on a daily basis to meet the record demand being experienced on all routes. This is outside of required maintenance cycles to ensure fleet reliability, and any repair works which may be taking place. The company is maximising the use of the available rolling stock to meet demand and continuously monitors passenger loadings.
As a result, there is no additional train set available to operate an earlier service without displacing the early 05:45 Dublin, serving Ballinasloe at 07:44, arriving in Galway for 08:36.
As the new DART+ fleet begins entering service from 2027, a review of the deployment of Intercity and Commuter trains can commence, however Iarnród Éireann are not in a position to provide additional capacity until these new trains begin entering service.
Works are progressing to upgrade Galway Ceannt station, scheduled to be completed later this year, increasing 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. The recently published Rail Projects Prioritisation Strategy prioritises additional platforms and passing sections of track at Woodlawn and Clara to allow further service expansion on the route also, with development targeted by 2030.
Aithníonn an Rialtas seo go bhfuil nascacht iompair thar a bheith tábhachtach do dhaoine a chónaíonn agus a oibríonn in Éirinn, Government recognises that transport connectivity is hugely important for people who live and work in Ireland and progressing these projects in the years ahead will deliver an enhanced rail service for the people of Galway.
