Iarnród Éireann has said that work on a planned expansion at Oranmore train station in Co Galway will not commence until next autumn.
The company said the "preliminary design and planning application preparation stages of the project", and associated approvals, have taken longer than originally forecast.
Plans for the construction of an additional platform and a passing loop of track at Oranmore, to increase train capacity at the station, were announced in May 2022, following protracted calls to cater for extra passengers.
The investment forms part of a number of transport, infrastructure and climate related strategies in the Galway region.
At the time of the initial announcement, it was envisaged that the work would be completed by mid-2025.
However, a planning application for the enhancement programme is only being lodged with Galway County Council this week.
Iarnród Éireann said the delay means construction work would begin around this time next year, meaning the project is unlikely to be finished until at least mid-2026.
Existing capacity does not meet demand from the volume of commuters using rail services to Galway, from the eastern hinterland of the city.
When completed, the expansion at Oranmore would double both the frequency of service and potential passenger numbers.
A new 185m long platform will be built, along with a 1km section of double track, which will allow trains to pass each other in opposite directions.
This is currently not possible on the single rail line running between Galway and Athenry.
The company said advanced "enabling works" in Oranmore are scheduled for later this year and that the autumn 2025 timescale is subject to planning, funding approval and the appointment of a contractor to carry out the enhancement programme.
