Passing loop at Oranmore train station

The passing loop is 820 m of second track at Oranmore station, with a second platform, to allow two trains to pass each other in Oranmore station.

It will be single track, like now, from Renmore barracks to Oranmore.

There is a passing loop already on Lough Atalia bridge, beside the barracks.

Then a new passing loop in Oranmore station.

Then single trackk as now to Athenry.

Then the existing passing loop in Athenry, which is where trains can pass now.

IE plan to double the track to Athenry by 2040:

Galway County Council have already published a masterplan for 1,100 houses at Garraun behind Oranmore railway station.

It should reduce it compared to now but isn't the plan to run a more frequent service for commuter transit. So they will have more services along that shorter route but it will also be in contention with the regular city to city service. I would guess, if they time things properly there shouldn't be much delay. Passing trains could get by as the commuter train is at the platform rather than having trains stop on the passing loop to allow a train to continue onto the single track.

"I would guess, if they time things properly there shouldn't be much delay. Passing trains could get by as the commuter train is at the platform rather than having trains stop on the passing loop to allow a train to continue onto the single track."

I don't really understand you here.

The idea of a passing loop is that two trains travelling in opposite directions will come to a stop in Oranmore (like they do now in Athenry).

They will both stop, and drop off and collect pax in Oranmore.

This can't happen now, as the line is single-track.

You seem to suggest that one train will not stop. Maybe that will happen on some services, I'm not sure.

Maybe there are some times of the day when the demand from Oranmore is low, and it doesn't make sense to stop.

Planning permission given today.

Signalling, electrification and telecommunication compound (maximum c. 3.4m in height) to accommodate a generator building (c. 20sqm), an electrical building (c. 26sqm) and a fuel storage room (c. 6sqm); 

Is this a standby generator?

Or is this generator in use all the time?

6.5 years after first mentioned here, to start construction on 820 metres of second track.

God Help Us.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/galway/news/disruption-expected-at-galway-train-station-as-works-to-result-in-limited-parking-and-service-changes/a1938137725.html

It looks like the initial work will be changes to the car park, and the construction of an underpass.

"The new underpass will include cycle lanes and full disability access — features not typically seen in earlier Irish Rail projects. Phase one of the works is expected to be completed by October 14, with tendering for the second phase due in mid-2026."

"The entire project is scheduled for completion by early 2027, when Irish Rail expects increased train frequency and an improved commuter experience."

It is worrying that even though PP was awarded, IE have not appointed the main contractor.

It seems they won't even look for a main contractor until min-2026.

Examples of it all over the shop with infrastructure in this country.

We are doomed with traffic around Galway with the tardiness of ANY real enhancements to public transport improvements.