Delays expected after train hits livestock near Athlone

 

Irish Rail are currently experiencing delays of up to 40 minutes on their Westport/Galway train service after the 9.30am Heuston to Galway train struck an animal near Athlone. The train was scheduled to arrive in Athlone at 10.48am this morning, and while it has now moved on, Irish Rail have tweeted that knock-on delays can be expected on the line as a result of this morning's incident.

This is the second time in recent months that passengers on Irish Rail have experienced delays as a result of livestock being hit in the Midlands.

The last incident occurred on Thursday, June 28 last when the 3.35pm service from Dublin Heuston to Galway hit “a number of cows” on the train line near Tullamore. The train involved in the incident was still stopped near Tullamore at 5.42pm which resulted in very significant knock-on delays throughout the evening to trains serving Athlone and Westport.

Passengers intending to travel on the Galway/Westport line for the remainder of today (Friday) can get regular updates on the Irish Rail Twitter account.