Milltown Station reopening mooted
GALWAY County Council have put their support behind plans to include Milltown Station in the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor.
The railway line between Athenry and Claremorris has been closed since 1976. However, its reopening has since become a priority project and was included in the government’s revised National Development Plan. This will see trains once again passing through the likes of Tuam and Ballyglunin.
A motion from Cllr Shaun Cunniffe at the July plenary meeting requested the council push the Northern Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) to support Milltown Station as a key deliverable in the next phase of the Western Rail Corridor infrastructure project.
“I’ve spoken to the people of Milltown, this is a wonderful small village, and it just wouldn’t make sense seeing it bypassed,” commented Cllr Cunniffe during the meeting.
“It is just eight miles from Tuam, so it would make an ideal place for a park and ride facility. We need to make sure it is part of the reopening plans, as if it is not done now, it will never be reopened.”
The motion, which was seconded by Cllr Ollie Turner, received unanimous support at the meeting. It is hoped Milltown Station can be included in the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy; a plan managed by the NWRA.
The project would utilise the existing historical station footprint, adjacent community assets, enterprise zones, and existing water and wastewater treatment capacities.
“I can assure you all that a lot of activity is going on behind the scenes to push the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor forward. We are making great progress already,” noted Moylough based Councillor Michael Connolly, Chair of the Western Inter County Railway Committee.
“We have spoken with Milltown Community Council already and met with representatives from the Department of Transport. I would be quietly confident that this will work and become part of the reopening plans.”
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.
“I’m delighted to see an issue I brought up at last month’s meeting getting so much support here today,” stated Cllr Turner.
“What might not be clear to people unfamiliar with this part of Galway is the structures are already in place. It functioned as a station up to the 1960s and already has double tracks, so the site already has some great advantages. All that is needed is a revamp; it should not be a big expense.”