Milltown could be part of rail reopening

COUNCILLOR Ollie Turner has asked that Milltown isn’t forgotten in relation to plans to reopen the Western Rail Corridor. The railway line between Athenry and Claremorris has been closed since 1976.

However, its reopening has become a priority project and was included in the government’s revised National Development Plan. This is expected to see trains once again passing through the likes of Tuam and Ballyglunin.

While enabling works on the tracks have already begun in Tuam, procurement is scheduled to commence by the end of 2026, where a single contractor will be engaged for both the detailed design and delivery of the scheme.

The contractor is expected to be appointed by summer 2027.

If the project secures approval by the end of 2027, Irish Rail has outlined a pathway for main construction works to begin in 2028, with completion targeted for 2031.

“We have had a great discussion today about the improving rail network and the continued reopening of the Western Rail Corridor is welcomed, but we can’t forget about Milltown,” commented Cllr Turner during last week’s meeting of Galway County Council.

“All the talk seems be about Tuam and Ballyglunin, but the people of Milltown want their station included too. There is already double tracking here and two old platforms so it would make sense to include it in the plans,” he concluded.