The biggest overhaul of Galway’s rail infrastructure in over a century is to get underway next summer – with works on the €24 million overhaul of Ceannt Station in the city to commence next June.

At the same time, plans are progressing for an improved commuter service from Athenry to Oranmore as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the number of cars travelling into the city daily.

A detailed design for the Ceannt Station project has been completed, paving the way for Irish Rail to issue tender documents this November, as they seek to appoint a contractor by May 2023.

The project, which includes for the addition of three new platforms at the city centre station, will transform the facility into a modern transport hub – replacing the existing roof and creating a new glass entrance and improved waiting areas.

There will be a 31-month construction period, clearing the tracks for the first trains to roll into the new facility in the first quarter of 2026.

In a presentation to Athenry Oranmore area councillors on Tuesday, Galway District Manager at Iarnród Éireann, Derek Curran, said the new station would allow for improved commuter connections in the county, in addition to a bolstered intercity service.

“We currently have 24 weekly commuter services between Athenry and Galway; 68 intercity services to Limerick; and 143 to Athlone and Heuston Station, Dublin,” said Mr Curran.

“This will increase the number of platforms to five, giving us the capacity to stable or store six train sets at any one time.”

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