Minister Canney visits Oranmore to mark contract signing to commence station improvement works
11 August 2025
Underpass will provide access to the new platform and second track through Oranmore Station, to increase train frequency
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney was at Oranmore station today to mark the contract signing to commence works at the station.
The first phase of works is to construct an underpass at the station, to provide access to the new platform and second track planned at Oranmore, with Mayo construction firm, P&D Lydon having been awarded the contract.
The project will see a one-kilometre section of double track at Oranmore Station, and a new second 185-metre-long platform constructed also. As the Athenry to Galway line is currently a single line with no opportunities for trains to pass each other in opposite directions, the works will allow a doubling of train services calling at the station, to every 30 minutes in each direction.
The project, being delivered in partnership with Galway County Council, is co-funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), and by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority. This URDF Call 2 project also includes funding for the design of an Ecopark and Local Centre at Garraun as well as a Density Typology Study. These design strategies are currently at an advanced stage with Galway County Council. Further URDF and Galway County Council funding is in place for the design of a multi storey carpark structure at the existing station carpark.
The new platform, to the north of the current platform, will be accessed via the underpass under the railway for which the contract has now been awarded, and which will also provide a dedicated cycle route to the lands to the north. A stairs, lift and access ramp will ensure that both platforms are accessible to all. Associated infrastructure such as passenger shelters, passenger help points, customer information signs, lighting, CCTV and seating will also be provided.
The benefits of the project include:
- As well as improving services to the existing community, the improvements will facilitate the planned development of the surrounding lands as set out in the Garraun Urban framework Plan, allowing development to be both compact and sustainable, with high quality public transport at its doorstep
- The scheme will provide the opportunity for improved public transport frequency and accessibility serving both the station and surrounding area
- The scheme supports a variety of national and local policies, including the Climate Action Plan, NIFTI, National Development Plan, Galway County Development Plan, and the Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan
- Modal switch to rail facilitated by the scheme will help to improve the environment through reductions in noise and emissions, and improvements in local air quality
It is planned to undertake advanced enabling works and building of the underpass in Autumn 2025. Construction of the main station works will start early in 2026 and the project is expected to be completed in Summer 2027.
Speaking at the station, Minister Canney said:
“As a Galway man and a Galway Minister, I am delighted to see the work at Oranmore Station progressing. These works are part of a series of rail station upgrades ongoing across the country, including at Ceannt Station in Galway and at Kent Station in Cork where we opened a new platform in April. We are also planning for a new station in Moyross in Limerick and the construction of a new Plunket Station in Waterford. These station works will help provide people with a more frequent and efficient rail service. I look forward to continuing to advance these projects and to progress the vision set out in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in the years ahead.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Minister James Browne said:
“The €2 billion Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is targeted to support the regeneration and rejuvenation of our key towns and cities. €9.7m of this funding has been allocated to the Oranmore Railway Station Upgrade and Design Project. The awarding of this enabling works contract for the railway underpass, then, is just an initial step in demonstrating the URDF in action in Galway. This is also a key milestone in paving the way for the delivery of housing needs in Oranmore. With over 400 projects now underway, URDF funding is actively transforming our towns and cities and will enhance our urban spaces for generations to come.”
Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said:
“This will be a game changer for commuters from Oranmore. It is a busy station and by upgrading the infrastructure, we will be able to provide more services and more capacity, making commuting by train an even more attractive option. Work is also underway on a study of the Galway – Dublin rail corridor to identify other ways that we can increase, capacity, frequency and speed on this route.”
Assistant Director of Transport Investment with the National Transport Authority, Eoin Gillard said:
“The Oranmore Station upgrade is a crucial investment in the future of rail transport in the west of Ireland. By doubling train frequency and transforming the existing station into a modern, fully accessible transport hub, this project will improve access to sustainable and inclusive travel for thousands more passengers. I’m delighted to see the signing of this contract, which marks key step towards an integrated, accessible public transport network for all”
Councillor David Collins, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, said:
“This project is an excellent example of Transport-Oriented Development in Metropolitan Galway, and a testament to the foresight, collaboration, and strong partnership between Galway County Council and Iarnród Éireann. It represents a major investment in sustainable transport infrastructure and will act as a catalyst for future public and private development in the area. This will support compact growth, greater connectivity, and a high quality of life for both current and future residents."
