Fresh calls to roll out passenger rail services to Adare ahead of Ryder Cup
SENIOR Irish Rail officials have indicated that switching from freight to passenger rail services in time for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Adare may be easier than previously thought.
Officials from Iarnród Éireann were present at an Adare/Rathkeale Municipal District meeting to give a presentation on phase one of the Foynes rail line restoration project.
Following the presentation, which stated that phase one should conclude by 2025, Cllr Bridie Collins (FF) asked about the technical process of switching from freight to passengers.
"The first phase investment of €105 million is hugely welcomed. The potential of this is massive. I will stress that bringing the passenger element to that line is vital," she said.
Dave Vaughan, Project Manager with Iarnród Éireann, said: "There wouldn't be a whole lot involved in switching over other than the provision of stations and the connection at Carey's Road, on the Limerick end."
Cllr Collins pushed back, stating that elected representatives were (previoulsy) told that passenger services would require a different licence and that the National Transport Authority (NTA) would have to get involved.
Mr Vaughan said this was not true, stating that it would consist of Irish Rail considering the number of level crossings on the line and whether it would be tolerable, comparing an infrequent freight train service to a higher frequency passenger service.
He added that farm crossings on the route, with poor lines of sight, would have to be analysed.
"The track infrastructure, the bridges, the drainage, all that stuff doesn't change. It's the provision of stations, with platforms, shelters, ticket machines and parking, that has to be considered," Mr Vaughan said.
The Carey's Road connection into Limerick Colbert Station, which is missing now, would be a key component, he stated, adding that Irish Rail is in discussions with the Land Development Agency (LDA), with respect to the land around Colbert Station where a bridge deck is missing.
Mr Vaughan also explained to councillors that the Carey's Road connection does not have to be sorted yet, as the freight line, to begin in 2025, only comes in as far as Limerick Junction.
Cllr Collins informed that four cruise liners are already booked and due to arrive into Foynes Port this year and she suggested that, perhaps, even one carriage for this, could offer a huge "tourism offering" for the county.
Cllr John O' Donoghue (IND) asked: "Seeing that there are 53 crossings on the 42km line, will there ever realistically be a passenger line in time for the Adare Ryder Cup in 2027?"
While Mr Vaughan couldn't commit to a definitive timeline or answer on this, he said: "There is sufficient land in Adare for a station if the switch to passenger services is going to be made by 2027.”