Revised train timetable with new local services starts next week

A revised national rail timetable, which includes several new services on the Dublin to Galway line, serving stations in Offaly, Athlone and Ballinasloe, will come into effect from Monday next, August 26.

In addition to the extra trains serving the Midlands, timetable changes will take effect for a number of the existing train services.

The changes include the addition of four new services during the week, two new services on Sundays, and a new early morning train from Dublin to Galway which is to replace an existing morning service from Tullamore to Galway.

Of particular note is the addition of new late-evening trains in both directions on the Dublin to Galway line, from Monday to Saturday.

The new later service from Dublin will leave at 8.30pm, which is 55 minutes later than the last train currently running from the capital towards Galway during the week.

The new late evening Galway to Dublin train will depart from the City of the Tribes at 8.50pm. A later train from Galway as far as Athlone, which currently departs at 10.20pm, is being pushed back slightly, to leave at 10.25pm.

Other new services being added include a 7.27am (Monday to Friday) train from Tullamore which will stop at every station from there to Galway.

A new 9.05am service from Galway to Dublin is being introduced, while the existing 9.30am service from Galway is being deferred to have a 10.05am departure.

On Sundays, a new 10.30am Dublin to Galway service is being introduced, while the introduction of a 1.40pm Galway to Dublin service on Sundays will also take effect.

No additional services are being introduced on the Dublin to Westport line.

Offaly Minister of State Pippa Hackett has welcomed the timetable changes.

"I think the one that stands out for most people is the new, later service each way, leaving Dublin at 20:30 hrs and Galway at 20.50 hrs, (Monday-Saturday)," she said.

"There is an earlier first service from Heuston to Galway, and an additional Sunday service each way. We can also look forward to capacity increases.

"We know people will use the train when the service meets the need," said the Green Party representative.

"These timetable changes are a positive step in the right direction, and part of a longer-term package of improvements.

"Earlier this summer nearly 2,000 people participated in the public consultation on the draft new timetable, showing the level of interest there is in rail travel.

"I can see from this consultation, and from speaking with people directly, there is a demand for even later services to and from Tullamore.

"I am encouraged to see Iarnróid Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA), commit to investigating the possibility of operating later evening services on all Intercity routes.

"And for those of us who hop on board hungry – I’m happy to see that a review of catering services on the Galway to Dublin line is also underway," she added.

More details about the timetable changes can be found on the Irish Rail website here.