Multi-million plans to develop Galway’s rail infrastructure will play a key role in Iarnród Éireann’s decade of delivery which aims to revitalise rail travel in this country.
Preliminary figures from Iarnród Éireann show rail passenger journeys in 2023 achieved one of their highest ever totals, as the post-COVID recovery continued.
However in Galway, as diggers move onto the site at Ceannt Station next week, that growth is about to commence with a major revamp of what is probably the best-located train station in any of Ireland’s major cities.
In addition, the investment of €9.3 million for a passing railway loop at the existing Oranmore Train Station, which will allow the busy commuter link between Athenry and Galway to grow, is expected to be submitted to planning in the enxt ten weeks.
Ceannt Station will be regenerated as part of a major Galway City Council Transport Connectivity project – following a recent contract award, physical works will begin in the next ten days when differs will move onto the site.
Iarnród Éireann have highlighted the Galway developments in their end of year review which have illustrated that an estimated 45.5 million journeys have been made during the past 12 months, up from 35.8 million in 2022.
The 2023 totals saw 90% of pre-COVID demand achieved, with the high of 50.1 million set to be achieved in 2024.
Intercity services totalled 12.5 million journeys, at 96% of pre-COVID peaks. DART saw 19.7 million journeys, over 91% of pre-COVID demand, and set to reach its highest ever level in its 40th anniversary year of 2024. Commuter routes saw 13.3 million journeys, 86% of pre-COVID levels, as hybrid working continues to be a greater feature of commuting.
Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, said of the preliminary figures “it has been great to welcome customers new and old back to our services throughout 2023. From the busiest ever events season to the growing demand across all services, the recovery of demand will mean our ongoing investment projects will be delivered in time to boost capacity as its needed.
“Growing and new communities will be able to benefit from high capacity, sustainable rail transport services as we deliver in all our major cities, and across the network,” he said.
