Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
217. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the number of the 41 new rail carriages under construction to be delivered in 2022 that will be allocated to the Athlone to Galway service given the allocation of €3 million to provide a passing loop at Oranmore railway station under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5533/22]
View answerThe Deputy is right to highlight the very positive news in relation to the construction works planned at Oranmore station. These works will see an additional platform constructed, as well as the passing loop referred to by the Deputy and other ancillary works. I would note however that the total estimated cost of the project is circa €12million, of which circa €3million is being provided by my Department through the National Transport Authority.
I am also particularly pleased that Galway County Council has also secured funding to prepare a masterplan for the area's future development which could ultimately house over 1,000 residential units. This type of integrated, transport-led development is much needed across the country and I commend both Galway County Council and Iarnród Éireann for their collaboration on the project.
In relation to the 41 rail carriages currently under construction, I understand those carriages will start to arrive in Ireland later this year but will not be ready to enter into service until 2023. The subsequent deployment of the new carriages will be a matter for Iarnród Éireann. In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
