Exploring the possibility of Tullamore becoming a Midland's Freight Hub

Irish rail is in the process of looking at a number of locations for in-land hubs, as part of its rail freight strategy. No decision has been made at this point, a spokesperson said.

At a presentation made by Irish Rail to the February meeting of Tullamore Municipal District regarding its future plans for Tullamore railway station, Councillor Declan Harvey asked about the possibility of the station becoming a freight hub.

Cllr Harvey said his family has a long association with the station and his brother still works there. He recalled that the station used to have a goods yard and it has the infrastructure for a similar development today.

In response Derrick Curran, Regional Manager, Customer Experience, said it would depend on what industry Tullamore has.

However, those who advocate for a freight hub to be located at Tullamore station, say it could become a central point where trucks from around the Midlands came to collect freight from the station for distribution  throughout the region.

Tullamore train station has served passengers for over a century, connecting the town to Dublin, Galway and beyond.

In its past, it boasted a goods yard, handling fertiliser and cement. Today, with the Midlands lacking a dedicated freight rail facility, the station's existing infrastructure and strategic location are sparking renewed interest.

Those seeking a freight hub, say several factors make Tullamore a strong contender. Its location in the heart of the Midlands offers easy access to the motorway facilitating easy onward distribution across the region.

The disused goods yard provides a ready-made foundation, potentially reducing development costs and time.

Passenger services could continue alongside freight operations, maximising the station's potential.

The lack of a dedicated freight hub creates a logistical gap,and Tullamore could fill that void.

For Tullamore to become a freight hub utilising the third rail track would be required. Without much tweaking, trains up to 400m could be accommodated in Tullamore. It would also have to attract enough freight to make it sustainable.

Those who support the cause say that if done right,Tullamore's train station could transform into a vital logistics hub, boosting the Midland's economy and offering a sustainable freight solution.