Direct rail services between Galway and Limerick will begin in 2009, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey pledged today.
Work has begun on the €106 million first phase of the Western Rail Corridor redevelopment between Ennis and Athenry. The service last ran in 1976.
The Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey
Speaking from Craughwell, Co Galway, where track work has commenced, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said the rail upgrade demonstrated the continued growth in the region.
"The re-opening of commuter services along this route and the introduction of new stations at Sixmilebridge, Gort, Ardrahan, Craughwell and Oranmore demonstrate the continued growth and development in the Limerick and Galway gateways," he said.
"The service will begin operation in 2009 which is welcome news for commuters," he said.
Scheduled passenger services between Limerick and Galway last operated in April 1976.
The Ennis to Athenry line will provide a direct route between the two cities with a number of newly developed stations en route. There already exists a service between Ennis and Limerick.
The connection will also provide a range of inter-regional services currently not available, through linking with Limerick/Dublin and Galway/Dublin services. Both these routes are set for hourly services at peak and two hourly off-peak by the end of 2008.
