Fianna Fáil Galway West TD, John Connolly, has welcomed the “solid recognition” from the National Transport Authority that the Galway-Dublin railway line capacity needs to be increased.
The Galway-Dublin railway line, which also serves counties Westmeath, Offaly, Laois, and Kildare, is one of the main railway lines of the State, with several services operating each way daily.
Despite this, the service runs only on a single track from Galway to Portarlington in Laois – 153km into an 186.3km journey – meaning two trains cannot pass each other at stations before that point, a situation which affects the number of trains which can service the line and also the frequency of rail services between the two cities.
At the recent Oireachtas Joint Committee on Infrastructure and National Development Plan delivery meeting, Dep Connolly raised his concerns over this situation. The meeting allowed members to discuss with NTA representatives projects within the National Development Plan Review 2025 Sectoral Investment Plan, for which the NTA is responsible.
“Irish Rail is currently working on an analysis of how to increase the capacity on the Galway-Dublin line,” said Dep Connolly. “This analysis is overdue, given the works in Ceannt Station will be completed later this year, but I foresee issues when we have additional services on the Western Rail Corridor.”
Dep Connolly noted the issues that will arise from expanding capacity when the service remains on a single line for the majority of its route. “I’m concerned as it is a single track to within 200 to 300 meters off five platforms that the route serves”, he said. “It is vital that plans are in place for this to be overcome.”
In response, NTA spokesperson, Hugh Creegan, told Dep Connolly that Irish Rail, funded by the NTA, and with the consent of the Department of Transport, is working on an analysis of how to increase the capacity on the Galway-Dublin line.
He said there is a “solid recognition that there needs to be additional capacity”, that Irish Rail was aware of the issues Dep Connolly raised, and that the body is considering whether full double tracking or passing loops are required to solve these matters.
“This is very welcome confirmation from the NTA,” said Dep Connolly. “Galway-Dublin is one of the most important rail lines in the State. Increasing capacity is essential, but does not come without challenges. These can be overcome, but must be assessed and planned for and it is good to know Irish Rail is working on those issues.”
