Revamped Galway to Limerick train service to launch

Direct trains will run between Galway and Limerick for the first time in three decades from next month, it emerged today.

The €106.5m upgraded route will offer commuters five services each way Monday to Saturday.

The massive revamp marks the completion of the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor from Co Mayo to Limerick.

Iarnród Eireann said there was massive public support for the line to be reopened.

“We are very much looking forward to the introduction of services between Limerick and Galway,” a spokesman said.

“There is tremendous public support for this new service along the route, and we look forward to many new customers using our services, both for travel between the cities and for commuter travel to Limerick and Galway.”

The €106.5m new route will be officially launched on March 29 after the completion of the rebuilding of the Ennis to Athenry line and the receding of flooding between Limerick and Ennis.

It will serve Limerick, Ennis, Athenry and Galway with new stations at Sixmilebridge, Gort, Ardrahan and Craughwell.

The revamp includes 36 miles of new track, as well as fencing and drainage and installation of points and crossings at Gort and Ennis.

It is understood the Government is examining funding for Phase 2 of the Western rail corridor, from Athenry to Tuam and Phase 3 from Tuam to Claremorris.