Machine breakdown causing significant delays to Offaly trains this morning

Irish Rail has reported significant disruption to trains serving Offaly this morning (Thursday), after a track maintenance machine broke down, causing the line to be closed between Tullamore to Portarlington for a period earlier.

Passengers on the Dublin to Galway and Dublin to Westport routes had to be taken on bus transfers between Tullamore and Portarlington as a result of the track closure.

In an update posted at 9.30 this morning, Irish Rail said train services between Tullamore and Portarlington were starting to resume.

However, it warned passengers that knock-on delays were likely to continue through the morning.

The 07:35 Dublin Heuston to Galway service departed Athlone shortly after 10am, which was an hour later than scheduled.

Irish Rail said the 09:10 Athlone to Westport service, meanwhile, left Athlone 67 minutes later than timetabled.