No current plans to add extra Offaly rail services despite overcrowding

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Irish Rail has said it's not currently in a position to increase capacity or introduce additional services on the Dublin-Galway railway line, despite overcrowding issues on trains at peak times.

However the transport service said it is working on a series of infrastructure projects aimed at improving capacity on the route in the coming years.

Dublin to Galway and Dublin to Westport services serve stations across the Midlands, including Portarlington, Tullamore, Clara, Athlone, and Ballinasloe.

In a response to a query from this newspaper, Irish Rail said it was already operating all available trains on a daily basis, outside of essential maintenance and repair work, as it seeks to meet rising passenger demand.

During an appearance before the Tullamore Municipal District last week, Irish Rail outlined a series of initiatives which it said will help to increase capacity in the coming years, including "second platforms and passing loop sections of track at Clara and Woodlawn," which it said are being targeted for completion by 2030.

Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly, Tony McCormack, welcomed confirmation that the long-awaited second platform at Clara Railway Station remains part of Irish Rail's plans for the 2026–2030 period.

"Clara deserves the investment. The second platform is an important piece of infrastructure that will help improve rail services and connectivity for the town and the wider region.

"While this is very encouraging news, I want to see the project move from planning to delivery as quickly as possible. I will continue to keep the pressure on until we see work progressing on the ground."

Deputy McCormack also used the meeting to make the case for a later evening train service from Dublin, stopping in both Tullamore and Clara.

"One of the other issues I raised with Barry was the need for a later train from Dublin. We discussed the success of the 8.30pm service that was introduced two years ago and how well it has been received by passengers.

"That service has demonstrated the demand for later connections, and I believe there is a strong case for going a step further.

"Whether it's someone working late, attending college, going to a concert, a sporting event or simply enjoying an evening in Dublin, people in Offaly should have more flexibility when it comes to getting home by train."

Irish Rail spokesperson Barry Kenny said it had introduced a number of additional services on the Galway-Dublin route over the past three years in response to increased demand. However, he said the combination of those services and improved frequencies on other routes meant the available fleet was now being fully utilised.

"This means that, at this time, we would not be in a position to increase capacity or operate additional services," Mr Kenny stated.

Despite the current limitations, Irish Rail outlined a number of planned investments and infrastructure improvements which it said would help examine options for additional services on the Dublin-Galway route.

Among these is the provision of a second platform and passing loop section of track at Oranmore, which is scheduled for completion in 2027.

The company also pointed to investment in new DART trains for the greater Dublin area, with the new fleet due to be phased in from 2027 onwards. Mr Kenny said that, while the new DART trains will be used to serve Dublin, their addition will "free up Intercity and Commuter trains currently operating in the greater Dublin area to be used on other routes around the network".

"Their deployment will be subject to review with and the approval of the National Transport Authority, subject to demand and infrastructure capacity at the time," he said.

Irish Rail also confirmed it is continuing work on a comprehensive 'Galway Line Capacity Enhancement Project', which will examine the railway corridor between Portarlington and Galway, which serves Tullamore, Clara, Athlone, and Ballinasloe in the Midlands.

The study is designed to "identify optimum solutions to deliver increased frequency" along the line. Public consultation on the Galway Line Capacity Enhancement project is expected to take place in early 2027, allowing the public to contribute to the process of identifying potential options.

In the longer term, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review envisages full double-tracking between Athenry and Galway in order to support commuter services, increase services on the Dublin-Galway route and facilitate the expansion of the Western Rail Corridor.

Irish Rail also pointed to the DART+ South West project, which is expected to deliver four tracks into Dublin Heuston Station, alongside other infrastructure improvements.

The additional tracks are expected to improve capacity for rail services travelling to and from Heuston, including Intercity services operating to destinations across the country.

Deputy McCormack said that improving rail connectivity was important for the future development of both Clara and Tullamore.

"Good transport connections make a real difference to people's lives. They open up opportunities for employment, education, business and tourism, while making our towns more attractive places to live and work.

"We have made progress, but there is more to do. My priority is to ensure that Offaly continues to benefit from investment in our rail infrastructure and services.

"I am encouraged by the outcome of last week's meeting, and I will continue working with Irish Rail to deliver the new platform in Clara and secure better evening services for passengers across Offaly."