IT WAS announced on May 23 that work would start on the project to install a passing loop at Oranmore between Athenry and Galway, this will ultimately be the first phase to double the 13-mile long single-track section.
Originally there was double track between Oranmore and Galway until it was singled in 1929 and remained a crossing point until the closure of the original Oranmore station in 1963.
Iarnród Éireann signed a contract with RPS Group to design and plan the expansion which is subject to planning permission. The work includes the construction of a 1 kilometre long passing loop, provision of an up platform and lifts at the station which reopened on a new site in July 2013, and it’s envisaged that the works will be completed by mid 2025.
Three-piece ICR No. 22054 waits to depart Galway station with the 13.45 Galway-Limerick service on September 20, 2019. To improve frequency between Galway and Athenry, a 1km passing loop will be installed at Oranmore. It is also planned to increase the number of platforms at Galway from two to five.
HASSARD STACPOOLE