Galway County Council, in conjunction with Irish Rail, has prioritised an application under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF ) for a passing bay at Oranmore Railway Station.
Senator Seán Kyne recently raised the matter in the Seanad and said he hopes this will be the first phase of a double tracking project from Athenry to Galway City.
“Commuter rail services from Athenry to Galway via Oranmore offer huge potential for the future. This application, if successful, will transform the commuting options on the rail line to Galway.
“The passing bay would allow for expanded commuter services, while not interfering with mainline services. It would also allow a new station to be built in the Renmore/ Merlin Park / GMIT area subject to planning and funding,” he said.
Senator Kyne said that the lands to allow dual tracking are in the control of Irish Rail and that the 1km passing bay and new platform with connecting bridge would be a game changer for services to and from the city.
“The Department of Transport has also given a commitment to the passing loop project which is costed at €12 million” added Kyne. A decision on the application is expected in the coming weeks.
Oranmore Station was opened by Minister Leo Varadkar as Minister for Transport and local Cllr and then Mayor Liam Carroll in July 2013.
