Work to begin on Oranmore train station in October

Date Published: 27-Jun-2011

The construction of a new train station on the Galway to Dublin route at Oranmore is poised to begin as early as next October, according to Fine Gael Deputy Brian Walsh.

Tender documents are currently being finalised for the development of the station at Garraun in Oranmore, which will be welcomed as a viable alternative for thousands of commuters from the surrounding area.

Galway County Council is in the process of completing designs for an access road and carpark at the facility, which the local authority will operate and maintain following its completion in the first half of next year.

Deputy Walsh said the reopening of a train station in Oranmore would provide a major boost for the locality and would help to alleviate traffic congestion east of Galway City.

“I’m delighted that the development of a train station in Oranmore is being progressed as a priority by the Department of Transport and I look forward to the facility providing an attractive alternative for commuters in the area,” he said.

“It is estimated that up to 65,000 vehicles travel the N6, R339 and the Oranmore Coast Road to Galway city every day, and providing a viable alternative to these motorists will obviously have a positive impact on traffic congestion from this side of the county.”

Deputy Walsh said that the new station would also provide an economic boost for the area by attracting additional visitors to the locality.

“In addition to the established Galway to Dublin route, more than 250,000 passengers travelled between Limerick and Galway since the opening of the Western Rail Corridor last year. Increased connectivity and accessibility will benefit business in Oranmore,” he added.

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