It is imperative the Galway County Council urge the Minister of Transport, Eamon Ryan, and the Minister of State, Hildegarde Naughton, to make a detailed submission to Government for the construction of a twin track on the railway between Athenry and Galway city, that is according to Fine Gael councillor Liam Carroll.
Cllr Carroll who also called for the Ministers to support the construction of a second platform at Oranmore train station with additional parking facilities, said the submission should include the electrification of the route with the new plan having an emphasis on the effects of spatial awareness or carbon emissions.
Speaking at Tuesday afternoon's Athenry-Oranmore municipal district meeting in County Hall, Cllr Carroll, said; "We as a council and municipal district need to keep on this one. Ministers Eamon Ryan and Hildegarde Naughton will have opportunity in January 2021 to make a new submission under the new 10 year national development plan for capital spending.
"We should be requesting the Department provide necessary funding to Galway County Council [to carry out this project]. Under the capital spending plan 2030, ministers have to make submission by January 2021. What I am suggesting is they make a submission [as soon as possible].
"We need to reinforce [our desire for the project] so that funding is included for a twin track Attymon to Atherny to Galway city. I understand Minister Ryan is very positive [about the project] but it has to have a dividend for carbon emissions.
"We'll only get one chance at this. It is a big project."
In January, Iarnród Éireann gave a commitment to the Galway City Council regarding the installation of a dual track from Athenry to Galway as well as a passing loop and second platform at Oranmore station.
It is hoped these enhancements should they come to fruition, could help towards alleviating traffic issues that often see the city come to a standstill during peak hours as they would enable a more frequent service in and out of Ceannt Station, therefore further reducing traffic congestion on the roads on the eastern side of the city.
