Next phase of work to commence on Oranmore Station enhancements

Iarnród Éireann has today confirmed the beginning of the next phase of construction works on the station improvements for Oranmore in County Galway.

Following successful completion of the first phase of works including advanced enabling works and an underpass installation at the station in 2025, the project will now move on to the main construction phase and the delivery of a new 1-kilometre section of additional track and 185-meter-long platform. 

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 facilitate a doubling of train services calling at the station, to every 30 minutes in each direction.

The new platform to the north of the current platform, will be accessed via the underpass which also provides a dedicated cycle route to lands to the north. A stairs, lift and access ramp will ensure that the new platform is accessible to all. Associated infrastructure such as passenger shelters, passenger help points, customer information signs, lighting, CCTV and seating will also be provided.

The works will be delivered by Triur Construction and are expected to begin next month (May 2026) and be completed in late 2027.

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 creation of a transport hub serving both the station and surrounding area.
• The scheme supports a variety of national and local policies, including the Climate Action Plan, National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI), Project Ireland 2040, 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.

Mary Considine, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said: 

"Delivery of this project will be transformational for passengers in Oranmore, providing the infrastructure to support more services and more capacity for local communities. A service every 30 minutes will ensure more people can choose rail transport over the private car, realising our vision of rail as the backbone of sustainable transport in Ireland.”

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney said: 

“I am delighted to see the construction works at Oranmore Station progressing. The single-track line between Athenry and Galway is a major bottleneck for services in the region, and the development of the extra platform and track at Oranmore will make it possible to run more frequent trains along this section. This will benefit the existing services on the Galway to Dublin and Galway to Limerick lines, and will complement the ongoing works at Galway Ceannt Station, where additional platforms were opened earlier this month. These developments will ensure that the Galway regional rail network has the capacity to both meet existing demand and to grow in line with the vision set out in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which will include the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris in the coming years. The Western Rail Corridor has commenced preparatory work and is also being delivered as a priority project by Irish Rail, as set out in the National Development Plan Transport Sectoral Plan and Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy.”

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browns said:

“This investment marks a significant step forward for the local community. The project is about more than transport—it’s about shaping the future of the area. By enhancing rail capacity and frequency, URDF projects such as this one are creating the conditions for new housing and more vibrant and sustainable communities to develop and grow.”

Anne Shaw, Chief Executive, National Transport Authority said: 

"This investment in Oranmore Station will play an important role in strengthening the TFI Network and transforming how people travel in the area. More frequent services, improved accessibility and a modern station environment will make rail a more convenient and reliable choice for passengers. By improving connectivity between Oranmore, Galway city and the wider rail network, we’re making it easier for people to choose public transport for everyday journeys, supporting sustainable travel and well‑planned growth in Oranmore and across the Galway metropolitan area and ensuring more capacity for new residential developments nearby.”

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins said: 

“This remains an exemplar in Transport Orientated Development in the West of Ireland, which will complement the Ceannt Train Station upgrade in Galway City. At a time when there is such pressure for housing delivery, the surrounding lands at Garraun are equipped with the infrastructure to support housing delivery that will have a state of the art public transport service.”