Carlow, Ireland — Minister of State James Browne visited Carlow today to officially launch the highly anticipated Rail Link Project, a €3.1 million investment that will create a direct pedestrian connection between Carlow Railway Station and Carlow town centre.
The transformative project—expected to take approximately 12 months to complete—will significantly enhance between the train station, St. Leo’s College, Carlow College, and the wider town centre. Construction has begun in the first quarter of 2026 following the appointment of a contractor late in 2025.
Speaking at the launch, Minister James Browne said:
“This project represents a major investment in safer, more accessible, and more sustainable travel for the people of Carlow. Creating a direct pedestrian link between the station and the town centre will make it easier for students, commuters, and visitors to move around safely and confidently. I want to acknowledge the strong partnership behind this project and the commitment shown by Carlow County Council and the local community in bringing it to this stage.”
Senior Executive Architect for the URDF, Conor Moriarty, outlined the key elements of the project during the ministerial visit. He highlighted the strong collaboration between project stakeholders, including St. Catherine’s Community Services, St. Joseph’s NS, St. Leo’s College, and Carlow College, St. Patrick’s. Mr. Moriarty emphasised that the design carefully integrates with the existing landscape, protecting existing mature trees and respecting established infrastructure.
Carlow County Council welcomed the project as a major step forward in promoting sustainable and active travel within the town. The new link is also expected to improve access to the recently developed hockey pitch at St. Leo’s College, further supporting local sports and education facilities.
Director of Services Padraig O’Gorman reiterated the council’s commitment to progressing the URDF programme for Carlow. He expressed confidence that the Rail Link Project will deliver long‑term benefits for residents, students, and visitors.
The project received unanimous approval from Carlow County Council, during the earlier Part 8 planning process, marking a significant milestone in efforts to enhance mobility and connectivity in the town centre.
Top Picture, L to R:
Niall Morris (CEO St. Catherine’s Community Centre), Monsignor Brendan Byrne (Diocesan Secretary/Chancellor), Clr. Ben Ward, Niamh Broderick (Principal, St. Leo’s College), Dr. Eric Derr (Vice President, Carlow College), Pádraig O’Gorman (Director of Services, CCC), Mike Fitzgerald (Glas Civil Engineering Ltd.), Declan Foley (Glas Civil Engineering Ltd.), Emad Gharib ( Executive Engineer, CCC), Clr. Fintan Phelan, Clr. Andrea Dalton, Noel Dillon (A/Senior Engineer, CCC), Clr. Ken Murnane (Cathaoirleach), Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP, Catherine Callaghan TD, Conor Moriarty (Senior Executive Architect, CCC), Minister Fergal Browne TD, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, Coilín O’Reilly (Chief Executive, CCC), Clr. Fergal Browne, Clr. Paul Doogue (Mayor of Carlow), Evan Causer (Glas Civil Engineering Ltd.), Deirdre Kelly (Assistant Staff Officer, CCC).
Bottom Picture, L to R:
Deirdre Kelly (Assistant Staff Officer, CCC), Mike Fitzgerald (Glas Civil Engineering Ltd.), Noel Dillon (A/Senior Engineer, CCC), Evan Causer (Glas Civil Engineering Ltd.), Declan Foley (Glas Civil Engineering Ltd.), Emad Gharib ( Executive Engineer, CCC), Finn Brady (Lawler Consulting Engineers), Arantxa Martínez Peral (Systra), Jonathan Culleton (Lawler Consulting Engineers), Conor Moriarty (Senior Executive Architect, CCC).
