The closure comes after Ianród Éireann confirmed that the 6:15am Galway to Limerick service had struck a person at Oranmore this morning
10:51, 17 Jan 2026Updated 10:55, 17 Jan 2026
Irish Rail train (stock image)(Image: Gareth Chaney Collins)
Commuters are facing significant disruption on the route between Athenry and Galway following a fatal incident earlier today.
The line closure follows confirmation from Iarnród Éireann that the 6:15am Galway to Limerick service struck a person at Oranmore this morning.
The incident at Oranmore has been confirmed as a fatality.
Bus transfer services were arranged this morning for passengers requiring rail travel.
Substantial delays are expected as Irish Rail has confirmed that the 7:30am Galway to Heuston service, which began its journey from Athenry, only departed the station at approximately 9:35am, reports Galway Beo.
They stated: “07:30 Galway to Heuston service starting from Athenry this morning has just departed Athenry.
“It is operating +100 minutes behind schedule.”
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Irish Rail has warned customers “to expect significant delays” as they confirmed that gardaí are carrying out further examination of the site of the fatal incident.
In an update issued shortly before 10.30am on Saturday morning, an Irish Rail spokesperson said: “The line between Athenry and Galway remains CLOSED until further notice.
“Gardaí are carrying out further examination of the site. Bus transfers are in place between Athenry and Galway.”
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