A new temporary early morning, weekday commuter train service from Athenry into Galway and left the station on Monday – coinciding with major phases of works on the Ceannt Station and Oranmore projects.

These works necessitated the stabling of a train at Athenry, which has allowed the new 06:50hrs Athenry to Galway service to run until the completion of the works in August 2026.

Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney welcomed the introduction of the new early morning train service.

“It’s good to see continued investment and activity on the Galway-Athenry rail line,” he said.

“This temporary service will be a welcome addition for local commuters and reflects the strong demand for public transport across the region,” he added.

Last weekend also saw the completion of a new underpass at Oranmore, which will facilitate access to the new second platform which is planned, as well as access to the Garraun Urban Framework Plan proposed by Galway County Council.

Across this weekend and the October Bank Holiday, works at Ceannt Station will also reach another major milestone, with the completion of the new Platform 5, opening directly after the Bank Holiday.

But that also sees some disruption of normal services over the October Bank Holiday, from Saturday to Monday, October 25 to 27, with bus transfers in operation between Galway and Athenry for all Galway/Dublin, Galway/Limerick and Galway/Athlone services, in both directions.

There will be some time changes, so customers are advised to check times at www.irishrail.ie and the Iarnród Éireann app.

The redevelopment works are progressing apace at Galway Ceannt Station, ahead of completion next summer.

The new station will see improved customer facilities, five platforms for future service expansion, and integration with public and active transport modes in the heart of Galway City.

Pictured: Galway Ceannt Station, where redevelopment works are progressing, ahead of completion next summer.