Western Rail Corridor Reopens
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For the first time since April 1976, Galway is connected to Ennis and Limerick with a direct intercity rail service. Yesterday, the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey reopened the line following a €106.5 million rebuild, and today sees the start of a full service of 5 trains in each direction Monday to Saturday and four trains each way on Sunday. New stations have been provided at Sixmilebridge, Gort, Ardrahan and Craughwell with 83, 72, 53 and 62 parking spaces respectively and day return fares between Galway and Limerick of €20 More information and timetable.
It was also confirmed yesterday that Iarnród Éireann will soon be applying for planning permission for open a station in Oranmore during 2011. The Minister urging Galway County Council to "proceed as quickly as possible with land acquisition of the adjoining site for the provision of a park and ride facility".
The proposed extension of the Western Rail Corridor reopening to Tuam in 2011 and Claremorris in 2014 is still being supported politically, the Minister giving his "absolute committment", but securing the funding may be dependent on passengers actually using the Galway to Limerick section of the line. It has been reported in the local press that the Mayor of County Galway, Tom McHugh has said he wants to see the Western Rail Corridor continuing northwards to Sligo.
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