Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2026
120. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the improvements to rail services between Galway and Limerick that are anticipated under the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy published on 15 December 2025; the infrastructure works that are planned on the corridor; the expected impact on service frequency and journey times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66459/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra121. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the increase in service frequency between Galway and Dublin that is anticipated following the delivery of the Galway line early interventions and major projects identified in the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy published on 15 December 2025; the expected number of daily services that will operate on the route upon completion of these works; the projected timeframe for achieving these service enhancements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66458/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra122. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made towards achieving a Galway to Dublin rail journey time of 1 hour and 31 minutes following the delivery of the 'Ongoing Enhancements' and 'Priority Projects' identified in the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy, published on 15 December 2025; the current estimated timeline for achieving this journey time target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66456/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 121 and 122 together.
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including any improvements on the Dublin to Galway line, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
Pending a more detailed response, I note that following the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, my Department oversaw the preparation of the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy. This Strategy was published in December 2025 and outlines the approach to sequencing and optimising the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in the coming years.
In the short-term to 2030, the Prioritisation Strategy specifies a number of 'Early Interventions' to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the National Development Plan.
Included in these early interventions are additional platforms at Clara and Woodlawn, which will enable increased passenger services and improved scheduling flexibility on the line between Dublin and Galway.
At Galway Ceannt Station, significant improvement works are nearing completion. These not only include greatly enhanced passenger facilities, but also the addition of extra platforms, bringing the number of platforms up from two to five, increasing capacity to cater to the growth in services set out in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. The additional platforms are now in operation and major construction works are nearing completion.
Separately and related, works are continuing at Oranmore station. 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 and operational in late 2027 and will be of immediate benefit to the route.
The Prioritisation Strategy also identifies 'Major Projects' with longer lead-in and development timelines. Among these Major Projects, capacity and frequency enhancements, line speed improvements and electrification are planned on the Galway to Dublin line.
Given Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the company for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
