Iarnród Éireann to enhance capacity on Ennis-Limerick rail services

IARNRÓD Éireann have confirmed they intend to enhance capacity on rail services on the Limerick-Ennis line.

The rail service operator said it is seeking to invest €300,000 in 2023 and a further €400,000 in 2024 to produce studies and commence a design process to enhance capacity between the Clare County capital town and Colbert Station in Limerick City.

The company said the investment is subject to funding and the project successfully progressing through the various approvals.

The statement came in response to a Parliamentary Question from Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara, who welcomed "the steps being taken by Iarnród Éireann to further enhance capacity on this vitally important rail connection, which had shown significant growth pre-Covid."

"Investing in and expanding sustainable transport across Ireland will be key to the Government achieving its stated ambition of reducing car use by 20% by 2030 and for half of all journeys to be made on foot, bicycle, or public transport. Significant investment must be made in rail services between Ennis and Limerick City, including the reduction in the journey time and expanding the frequency of daily services," he said.

However Deputy McNamara expressed disappointment over Iarnród Éireann's stance on the reopening of the Crusheen railway station.

In a written response, the company said they would "keep the case for a railway station at Crusheen under review in line with future demand trends, but at present there is no provision for a station within the current funding profile."

"It makes little sense at a time when the Government is encouraging the public to consider sustainable transport options that the Department of Transport is not actively engaging with Iarnród Eireann to have Crusheen railway station reopened," stated Deputy McNamara.

"The local community in Crusheen and surrounding areas has undertaken a 20-year campaign to have the rail stop reopened and has demonstrated the significant potential for Iarnród Éireann to increase passenger numbers on its Ennis to Galway service. I will be urging Minister Eamon Ryan to explore this potential directly with Iarnród Eireann."