Park-and-ride facility planned for Limerick suburb

LIMERICK City and County Council is planning to work with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to deliver a park-and-ride in Raheen.

The information came to light in a written answer from transport engineer Robert Gallagher at this month’s metropolitan district meeting.

He explained how the site would initially be in place to allow customers to park their vehicle and transfer onto a bus into the city.

But, he added: “It could potentially double up in time as a dual rail/road park-and-ride, depending on the commuter rail progression in the area.”

Permission granted for 99 new homes in Limerick development

There are plans to build a number of new commuter rail stations around the city, including at Ballysimon and Moyross, while the Foynes to Limerick freight line will see traffic again.

Campaigners hope a number of other stations open around the city, and at the metropolitan meeting, Independent councillor Fergus Kilcoyne saw a motion passed calling on the local authority to look to buy or lease land for railway stations.

He identified Adare, Patrickswell, Raheen and Dooradoyle in particular, while fellow councillor Elena Secas asked if his motion could also include the purchase of land for train stations in Castletroy and Plassey.

Mr Gallagher said while council supports proposals for new rail stations, land acquisition and delivery is primarily the responsibility of Irish Rail.