Commuter rail stops for east side of Galway City

Councillors have included an objective in the new Galway City Development Plan 2023-29 that facilitates new rail stops on the east side of the city.

Councillor Alan Cheevers (FF) had proposed that Renmore be earmarked for a new rail stop to facilitate commuters. But he withdrew the motion after advice from Chief Executive Brendan McGrath.

Mr McGrath said that it was preferable not to specifically single out Renmore because it would ‘pre-determine the outcome’ of a process that would need to be undertaken, including feasibility study, planning and public consultation.

He said Renmore may very well be the location for a new commuter rail stop but that would emerge after a defined process.

The broad specific objective agreed by city councillors said: “Reserve lands parallel with the rail line from the city centre to the eastern city boundary for future sustainable transport requirements and to provide for possible commuter rail stops.”

Earlier, the Chief Executive noted that plans “are being advanced to enhance commuter rail services in Galway by Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with Galway County Council”.

These include investment in an additional platform and a passing loop of track at Oranmore, to increase train capacity at the station.

“This will allow for four trains per hour, doubling both frequency of service and potential passenger numbers. Subsequent enhancements proposed by Iarnród Éireann includes for new track sections between Galway and Athenry,” he said.

Works at Oranmore will finish by 2025, and will increase capacity for commuting into Galway by train and will provide a more frequent and reliable service, Mr McGrath added.