Irish Rail look into enhancements and adding 'extra capacity' on Ennis-Limerick rail line

IRISH Rail have commissioned a study looking into infrastructure improvements to increase capacity on the Limerick to Ennis rail line.

The project are part of the Irish Government’s strategy to increase the market share of public transport, helping to deliver on its Climate Action Plan.

AtkinsRéalis has been appointed as multi-disciplinary consultants to undertake the study, which will also develop location options and designs for three possible new train stations: one at Ballysimon in county Limerick and two in Dublin.

The study will identify and recommend infrastructure solutions to increase the capacity and resilience of the Limerick-Ennis rail line which runs between Limerick and Ennis and onwards to Galway. The line is constrained by a single-track railway, with potential enhancements intended to reduce journey times and increase capacity for both passenger and freight journeys.

The Ennis Line enhancements are part of the  Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transports Strategy (LSMATS). The line enhancements will also help to facilitate plans to increase train services between Galway and Limerick, as outlined in the draft All-Island Strategic Rail Review.

Preferred options on these studies are expected to emerge towards the end of 2024. A decision on the progress of these projects will be made by the National Transport Authority and will be subject to funding allocation.

Minster for Transport, Éamon Ryan TD said he is "delighted that studies are underway into increasing capacity on the Limerick-Ennis rail line and developing new train stations."

"These studies indicate this Government’s commitment to providing  new, quality public transport options, including rail, across Ireland. I look forward to their completion."