Clara train station. A new timeline strategy for rail service improvements sets a target of 2030 for having a second platform in operation at the station.

Second Clara rail platform due 'by 2030'

Adrian Cusack

Published: Tue 16 Dec 2025, 1:30 PM

A new all-island 'prioritisation strategy' for railway service improvements has set a target of developing a second platform at Clara train station, and cutting journey times between Offaly and Mayo, before the end of this decade.

The report also sets out a longer-term aim of reducing train journey times from Dublin to Galway to just 91 minutes, with this aspiration pencilled in for delivery in somewhere between five and ten years.

The two main improvements on the Dublin to Galway line which are due to be in place by 2030 are the second platform at Clara, and a second platform at Woodlawn in Galway.

The report said the addition of second platforms at these two stations would "enable increased passenger services and improve scheduling flexibility".

On the Offaly to Westport line, meanwhile, a new passing loop is due to be in place west of Claremorris by 2030.

The strategy states that this passing loop will bring benefits including "increased service frequency of at least one train per two hours between Dublin and Mayo," as well as a 10-minute reduction in journey times along the route.

One of the longer-term aims of the strategy is the electrification of services on the Dublin to Galway line, with the report setting an approximate timeframe of 10 to 15 years for this to be accomplished.

The report, called the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy for the island of Ireland, was launched on Monday by Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, Ireland's Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, and Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney.

The announcement said the strategy, assisted by the European Investment Bank, was designed to outline "how to best sequence and optimise the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review," which was published in July 2024.

The Department of Transport said work on the projects that are due for completion by 2030 would "start next year" with "full delivery by 2030".

Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien said: "I welcome the publication of this strategy which provides a way forward for faster rail services, improved frequency, and greater accessibility and connectivity across this island."

Minister Seán Canney added: "I am delighted that this strategy highlights rail enhancements for delivery over the next few years, involving a new station platform at Limerick Junction and additional platforms on the Galway and Sligo routes, as well as new track passing loops on the Limerick to Waterford line, the Sligo line, the Westport/Ballina route and Dublin to Belfast line.

"I am also happy that the Strategy includes the construction of the Western Rail Corridor from Athenry to Claremorris, on which some preliminary clearing works have already commenced."

Government funding for the projects due to be completed before the end of this decade, such as the second platform in Clara and the passing loop on the Westport line, was provided under the National Development Plan's Transport Sectoral Implementation Plan for 2026 to 2030, published last month.