Planning permission sought for new platform and second track through Oranmore Station, to increase train frequency

25 Meán Fómhair 2024

Iarnród Éireann will this week lodge planning permission applications to Galway County Council and Galway City Council for works at Oranmore to allow more trains to operate between Galway and Athenry.

The project will see a one-kilometre section of double track at Oranmore Station, and a new second 185-metre-long platform constructed also.  As the Athenry to Galway line is currently a single line with no opportunities for trains to pass each other in opposite directions, the works will allow a doubling of train services calling at the station, to every 30 minutes in each direction.

The project is part funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Urban Development and Regeneration Fund (URDF) and with match funding provided by the Department of Transport/ National Transport Authority.

The new platform, to the north of the current platform, will be accessed via a new underpass under the railway which will also provide a dedicated cycle route to the lands to the north. A stairs, lift and access ramp will ensure that both platforms are accessible to all associated infrastructure such as passenger shelters, passenger help points, customer information signs, lighting, CCTV and seating will also be provided.

The benefits of the project include:

• As well as improving services to the existing community, the improvements will facilitate up to 1,000 units residential developments set out in the Garraun Urban framework Plan, allowing the development to be both compact and sustainable, with high quality public transport at its doorstep.
• The scheme will provide the opportunity for creation of a transport hub serving both the station and the Garraun residential development.
• The scheme supports a variety of national and local policies, including the Climate Action Plan, NIFTI, National Development Plan, Galway County Development Plan, and the Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan.
• Modal switch to rail facilitated by the scheme will help to improve the environment through reductions in noise and emissions, and improvements in local air quality

It is planned to undertake advanced enabling works in late 2024 which will consist of the relocation of signalling, telecommunications and electrical infrastructure. Construction of the main works will commence in Autumn 2025 subject to planning and funding approval.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said:“The development of this new platform and double tracking works will help provide a more frequent rail service for the people of Oranmore and Galway. These works will also ensure that the new compact and walkable neighbourhood of Garraun is served by a frequent and sustainable transport connection. Investing in projects such as these helps provide connectivity for communities while also supporting our decarbonisation goals.”

Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann Jim Meade said: “we have embarked on a major programme to enhance rail services for all our major cities.  This investment in Oranmore, together with our major expansion of Galway’s Ceannt Station, will allow us to offer more services to commuters travelling to, from and within the region.”