Clare County Council 'in discussion with Irish Rail' over Shannon Airport rail connection

Clare County Council has said they are "working closely" with Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority regarding a rail connection to Shannon Airport.

In response to a motion brought by councillor John Crowe that called for a viability study into such a rail link, the council stated the issue had been "raised with the National Transport Authority (NTA) during the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) process".

"The NTA informed Clare County Council (CCC) that they would deal directly with Irish Rail as the Rail  Authority in relation to any necessary rail feasibility reports," the reply from senior engineer Cyril Feeney read.

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"Notwithstanding, CCC has been in discussion with Irish Rail regarding the rail link to  Shannon and they are working closely with the Department of Transport in relation to airport  connections by rail."

"We will forward the content of this motion to the National Transport Authority," the council said.

Cllr Crowe's motion, brought before this month's council meeting last Monday, April 8, called for a study into the possibility of a rail link service to "link Ennis and Limerick with Sixmilebridge, Bunratty and  Shannon Airport, to include Shannon Town Centre and the Industrial Estate."

"This will give connectivity to many holiday makers and business, people not alone in the Mid-west region but throughout Ireland, especially with the growth that is taken place at  the Airport. It will benefit workers from Ennis, Limerick and surrounding areas to travel to Shannon," the Shannon councillor stated.

Cllr Crowe's motion was widely supported by his colleagues in the council chamber at last Monday's meeting.

Cllr Mary Howard said it "was only right" to introduce a rail link to attract visitors, calling it "crazy" that Ireland has no rail links to any airport. 

She called on the council to "lead the way" in putting pressure on Irish Rail and the Department of Transport to add such a link.

Many councillors also highlighted the flooding issue at Ballycar Lough that has closed the line between Ennis and Limerick at present, with Cathaoirleach Joe Cooney branding the flooding "a disgrace" as he expressed his hope that Cllr Crowe's motion would bear fruit.