Rail plays a central role in Galway’s future transport network. The Galway Metropolican Area Transport Strategy identifies significant opportunities to improve connectivity through enhanced rail services and station facilities
The strategy supports:
- Increased use of existing rail infrastructure.
- Improved integration between rail and bus services.
- Enhanced access to Galway Ceannt Station.
- Development of rail based park and ride facilities.
- Better rail connectivity between Galway and surrounding towns.
Future planning work being undertaken by the National Transport Authority also includes analysis of strategic rail and light rail opportunities as part of the wider Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.
Rail investment
Rail investment will contribute to a more integrated public transport network while supporting regional growth and sustainable travel patterns.
Details of Ceannt Station Redevelopment below
Other developments include:
Ceannt Station Redevelopment
Work is now ongoing at the redevelopment of Ceannt Station, Galway which commenced at the start of 2024.
The redevelopment is funded by the Department of Housing’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and the National Transport Authority. It will ensure Ceannt Station – perhaps the best located railway and bus station in Ireland’s major cities – becomes an expanded and integrated transport hub in the heart of Galway.
The project supports the sustainable growth and development envisaged for the city under Project Ireland 2040. It also supports Galway City Council’s strategic development goal of creating a public transport hub for the city at Ceannt station, as part of the Galway Transport Strategy.
The redeveloped station will support:
- Galway’s environment and economy, supporting modal shift to sustainable public and active travel modes; reduced emissions; improved city retail facilities.
- Integration of improved rail and bus facilities with compact land use development, in particular the proposed Augustine Hill development directly south of the station.
- Improved accessibility and social inclusion, with mobility-impaired customers prioritised including a Changing Places facility and supporting access to employment and public services for those without access to a private car.
- A safer travel environment, including improved circulation within the station, and reduced pressure and congestion on footpaths on Station Road.
- Potential for significant additional frequency and capacity on rail services, so more people can travel by rail to and from Galway City.
Ceannt Station Redevelopment | Iarnród Éireann
Ceannt Station Upgrade Project – Final Business Case | National Transport
April 2026 update: Ceannt Station opening of Southern Side of Station
Feb 2024: Galway Ceannt Station redevelopment under way