Local TD and Oranmore native, Minister Hildegarde Naughton, has revealed that both Galway City and County Council have approved the planning permission for the redevelopment of Oranmore Train Station.
“This is a good news day for Oranmore with planning permission for the redevelopment now approved by both local authorities. The redeveloped station will effectively double the capacity the station is presently capable of. There has been huge demand for the train service from Oranmore since the station was re-opened by Fine Gael in 2013 and in recent years the station has not been able to meet demand. Once complete, capacity at the station will double to the benefit of commuters from Oranmore and the wider area,” the Minister said.
She said that she also received confirmation that a tender for the design of substantial additional parking facilities at the station is being worked on and this will be progressed so as to ensure that the redeveloped station has sufficient spaces.
"At present the lack of car parking spaces is causing huge difficulties for those using the station in Oranmore and additional parking facilities are vital.
“I was also very pleased to have received confirmation from the NTA recently that two new bus stops will be provided close to the entrance to Oranmore Train Station as part of the Galway City Bus Network Redesign.
"I have been in contact with the NTA as they worked through plans for the redesign to ensure that public transport options were provided for Oranmore Train Station,” the Oranmore native said.
The redevelopment of the station, at a cost of €12 million, will include the addition of a second platform and a 1km section of double-track, or loop, that will increase the capacity of the commuter line between Athenry and Galway. Elevators will also be installed to make it accessible to all. Landscaping works will also be carried out,” the Minister noted.
“I was very pleased to have secured funding for this project while Minister in the Department of Transport and it will, when complete, be of huge value to the people of Oranmore and its hinterland," she concluded.
