Trains Link Limerick And Galway For The First Time In 30 Years

This is the longest section of track to be re-opened in the entire country and it is also the first Inter-City line to be re-opened.

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 and expand commuter links to Limerick and Galway. 

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.  

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."