Shannon Airport rail link is 'a step closer' following Cabinet meeting
A twenty-year investment strategy for rail networks has now been agreed
A proposed rail link to Shannon Airport is now one step closer to becoming a reality.
Cabinet ministers signed off on the All Island Strategic Rail Review (SRR) at a meeting on Tuesday morning, July 16, which sets out a €30 billion rail investment strategy for the next twenty years.
The review strongly recommends a rail spur be built from either Cratloe or Sixmilebridge to connect Shannon Airport to Limerick and Ennis.
Speaking on ClareFM, Irish Rail Chief Executive Officer Jim Meade said that the construction of a rail connection at Shannon would make the airport more sustainable as well as more competitive, and would give this region a stronger counterbalance to Dublin.
Limerick TD Brian Leddin also highlighted its importance for Limerick and the Mid-West region.
“There are many elements to the plan which will be very positive for Limerick, but the proposal to build a railway connection between Limerick and Shannon Airport is particularly exciting. It will be a gamechanger for the whole Midwest," the Green Party TD said in a statement.
Read More: Clare County Council 'in discussion with Irish Rail' over Shannon Airport rail connection
However, Deputy Leddin sounded a note of caution.
“Getting this project listed on the SRR is just half the battle. Unless there are clear and coordinated calls from politicians, citizens, business and industry representatives and all other stakeholders in the region, then the project could be put on the long finger.
“It is a very deliverable project, but we all must make it a priority to ensure funding is secured from central government and planning begins as soon as possible.”
Other elements of the SRR include completing the Limerick to Foynes railway and developing a concept for local passenger services between Foynes, Limerick City and Shannon Airport; modifications at Limerick Junction to allow for direct services between Limerick and Cork; improving capacity and line speeds between Limerick and Limerick Junction and increasing services between Limerick and Galway, Limerick and Cork, and Limerick and Ballybrophy.
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