Students from midland counties will be able to use the train services to commute to college if they can't find or afford accommodation.
That's according to Irish Rail spokesperson Barry Kenny who says the company has bene looking at ways to extend train connections regionally as people make different life choices.
He was speaking following the announcement of proposed changes to the services on the Athlone to Galway route, including a new service on the Athlone/Westport service, and the extension of the Athlone/Galway service to Tullamore.
The changes are due to come into force in early December and the public is being asked to provide feedback before the finalisation of the schedule.
Barry Kenny says the new changes should be of particular help for students who can avail of the much reduced rates to travel to college
"One of the things on a strategic basis that we want to do over time is extend and improve connections as people make different educational, work, and life choices. One of the things we're looking at this year is an increase in students doing long distance commuting. We all know about the accommodation crisis and the costs as well. So that affords people the option to commute to college.
