OPINION: Former Green Party TD Brian Leddin makes the case for a Limerick light rail project

WHY IS the Mid-West on mute as one of the most transformative projects for the region is at risk of being overlooked by the government?
A Dart-style train service for the Mid-West could be delivered within a few years and is supported by current government policy. However, Limerick’s Mayor John Moran is the only elected representative in the region calling on the government to move the project forward.
The train is leaving, and our politicians are about to miss it. The message is simple - if they don't fight for this, they’re not fighting for us.
We have the tracks and we have the plan. Our backlogged traffic is proof we have the need, but where are our leaders?
This vision for transformative rail in the Mid-West isn’t simply a pipe dream, but is a keystone of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) and the All Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR). It will use, for the most part, existing railway lines. This means it can become a reality in a short time frame and be delivered at a much lower cost than comparable projects in other regions.

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Traffic tailbacks on the Condell Road, Ennis Road, in Dooradoyle, Raheen, Ballysimon, Corbally, and Castletroy can quickly be consigned to history as a high frequency train service connecting multiple new stops provides a real and competitive alternative to motorists travelling to work, college, shopping and sports.
Shannon Airport can become the first in Ireland to be connected to the rail network. This could be delivered in five years, boosting its appeal to international airlines and strengthening the Mid-West region’s position as a hub for global investment.
The new National Development Plan is imminent, and this will detail tens of billions of euros worth of investment in new infrastructure projects across the State.
It will be the greatest indictment of national politicians in counties Clare and Limerick city and county if they fail to secure the modest funding required for the most obvious, deliverable, effective and transformative infrastructure for our region.
The silence of our region’s politicians is in stark contrast to the strong voices in Cork calling for multiple investments by Leeside.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin himself has issued a clear and public signal to his Minister for Transport and the National Transport Authority to deliver light rail and commuter rail for his home city, despite the much higher cost and longer construction timelines of these projects. Both projects are now, seemingly, already in the bag. Unfortunately, as Cork roars, the Mid-West is on mute.
Delivering this type of vital infrastructure quickly is possible. Residents of Limerick city and visitors alike can see the remarkable progress that has been made on the 42km Foynes railway line, where construction is nearly completed, after just two years.
While the rationale for it is to bring heavy freight to and from the port, there is excitement around the possibility of running a temporary passenger service along this new track for the Ryder Cup in 2027.
It’s simply ridiculous not to take advantage of it for permanent passenger services to alleviate traffic congestion. This reopened railway runs right at the back of Raheen Business Park, where approximately 8000 vehicles travel to and from each weekday morning and afternoon.
Imagine an Annacotty to Adare service with stops at Ballysimon, Childers Road, Dooradoyle and the Crescent Shopping Centre, Raheen Business Park and Patrickswell.
Or a Limerick Junction to Shannon Airport service, with stops at Dromkeen, Boher, Ballysimon, Parkway, Corbally, Moyross, Cratloe, Bunratty and Shannon Industrial Estate. All this is possible and realistic.
While we are proud in the Mid-West of how our region has developed in recent decades, we are at a disadvantage to both Galway and Cork as our political representatives are spread across three counties and a city.
This has contributed to poor cohesion, misaligned political agendas and ultimately a weaker voice in the Dáil chamber and the corridors of government buildings.

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In other words, the successes we have had have sometimes been in spite of our politicians rather than because of them. The clearest example of this, of course, is in the health service, where the squabbling and parochialism of politicians is a primary cause of the crisis.
While the failure in provision of health services is the most egregious outcome of disunity and poor leadership, we should understand that failure in providing the best transport systems has dire consequences too, affecting economic and development opportunities for our region and the quality of life, health and safety of our citizens.
The upcoming National Development Plan is an invaluable opportunity to positively transform the Mid-West Region. Our politicians must not spurn it.
We’re not asking for fantasy megaprojects. We’re asking for political will, for courage, and for action. Because if the Mid-West loses this moment, it won’t come again.