Changes to Athlone and Tullamore routes in new train timetable

Iarnród Éireann has published a new train timetable, due to come into effect on December 11, which includes some changes to routes serving Athlone, Clara, Tullamore and Roscommon.

The proposed changes include the addition of a new morning service from Athlone to Westport, serving Roscommon, on weekday mornings.

This new service will depart from Athlone at 07:08, Monday to Friday, and is due to arrive in Westport at 08:56. Iarnród Éireann said the service would benefit "regional commuters along the line."

In addition, the 07:30 Athlone to Galway service, Monday to Friday, will now commence from Tullamore at 06:50 and will additionally serve Clara.

A number of other "minor schedule alterations" are included in the draft timetable, "to improve punctuality," said Iarnród Éireann.

The current train times between Athlone and Galway will be unchanged.

Full draft timetables for each route have been published on the Irish Rail website "for review and feedback" from the public. They can be viewed here.

Iarnród Éireann said it and the National Transport Authority would review all suggestions received.

It said suggested alterations that were not implemented in the new December timetable would be retained in a database for consideration at future timetable reviews.

"With the National Transport Authority, we have identified opportunities for service improvements in the context of post-Covid travel patterns, as demand recovers strongly," said an Iarnród Éireann spokesperson.

"We encourage all current customers, and all considering rail for their sustainable travel options, to review the proposed changes, and give us their feedback, as we finalise the new schedule.

"We know there has been much interest in the proposed additional services in county Mayo, and we look forward to the views of all who participate in the public consultation."