Athenry News & Views Spring 2026

Athenry News & Views

Local Transport Updates – Louis O’Hara T.D.

Athenry is a growing town with in excess of 5000 residents. Many more come here to work, stay and visit our town. Key to the future growth of our town is modern and reliable transport infrastructure. Here are some updates on local transport issues I have been working on: Bus Shortly after the previous bus service ended In September 2024, the National Transport Authority (NTA) announced that a replacement bus service would be established between Athenry and Galway. However, months of delays followed as the NTA pivoted between operators before proposing a re-routing of the Mountbellew (425A) service through Athenry. The NTA recently held a public consultation on these proposals, which closed in January. The plan was widely rejected in submissions due to concerns about reduced capacity, increased journey times, and the risk that some residents would lose their only bus service. Submissions were overwhelmingly in favour of protecting the existing 425A route and establishing a standalone bus service between Athenry and Galway. This has always been the obvious and practical solution. Such a service could also incorporate stops in areas surrounding Athenry town, including Derrydonnell. Athenry has now been without a bus service for 18 months — a situation that reflects staggering incompetence on the part of both the NTA and Government. A consultation report is due this month to outline future plans. I will continue to apply pressure to ensure services are restored as soon as possible. Rail There have been dangerous levels of overcrowding on rail services, particularly at peak times in and out of Galway. There is a clear lack of urgency from Government and Iarnród Éireann in addressing this issue.

because of overcrowding. Ring Road Funding is now in place to

I have been informed that it will be 2027 at the earliest before additional carriages can be provided and before the passing loop at Oranmore is constructed — a development that would allow for more regular services. While these improvements will make a difference, and the restoration of bus services will help, immediate action is required. Some services are operating at breaking point, creating unsafe conditions for passengers. I will continue raising this issue, along with the urgent need to double-track the full Athenry– Galway line to future-proof our network — particularly once the new section of the Western Rail Corridor from Athenry to Claremorris is operational. We must be ambitious when it comes to public transport. No one should feel unsafe on a train

complete the elbow section of the Ring Road at Ballygurraune, with completion targeted for April. Design work is ongoing for the eastern section (Tuam Road to Monivea Road), which will include construction of a new rail bridge to facilitate the road. This section is crucial for removing traffic from the town centre and reducing congestion. Now that there is clarity regarding the future of the rail line, there is no reason this much-needed road project cannot progress in tandem with the new rail line from Athenry to Claremorris. I look forward to seeing meaningful progress on these projects in the months ahead.

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