Passenger trains run between Limerick and Galway for the first time in over 30 years

Mr. Noel Dempsey T.D., Minister for Transport today, in Galway, opened Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor which will provide 5 services each way daily serving Limerick, Ennis, Athenry and Galway as well as the new stations at Sixmilebridge, Gort, Ardrahan and Craughwell. Another new station will be built at Oranmore. There will be four services each way on Sundays.

The Minister said: “This is a truly historic day for the West of Ireland. For the first time in over 30 years passenger trains will again run between Limerick and Galway. This will facilitate passengers to travel between Limerick and Galway rather than travelling to Portarlington.”

The reopening of Ennis to Athenry will:
·       Deliver direct Galway to Limerick services;

·       Serve Limerick, Ennis, Athenry and Galway; and new stations at Sixmilebridge, Gort, Ardrahan, Craughwell as well as Oranmore in the future;

·       Expand commuter links to Limerick and Galway;

·       Promote balanced regional development, in line with National Spatial Strategy objectives, by linking 2 Gateways - Limerick and Galway and serving the hub of Ennis.

The Minister continued: “I cannot overstate the critical importance of local support for Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor in promoting the development of further phases of the Corridor. I am seeking to progress planning of the Western Rail Corridor Phases 2 and 3, to ensure that we are in a position to move speedily to construction at the earliest possible date.”

The reopening of the Western Rail Corridor (WRC) from Ennis to Claremorris was included as a priority project under Transport 21.  The next step will be for Iarnród Éireann to undertake a detailed evaluation of Phases 2 and 3 with a view to arriving at precise costs to undertake the works. 

Transport 21 provided for the phased reopening of the line

Ø         Phase 1: Ennis to Athenry - opens today
Ø       Phase 2: Athenry to Tuam - due to be completed in 2011
Ø       Phase 3: Tuam to Claremorris - due to be completed in 2015
Ø       Phase 4: Claremorris to Collooney - to be preserved under the Clár Programme

The Minister concluded, “Now that the dream of reopening Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor has been realised, the challenge is to ensure its success.”