Discussions on-going for passenger rail transport to Ryder Cup

LIMERICK City and County Council (LCCC) has opened discussions with Iarnród Éireann (IE) for the development of a greenway along the Limerick Foynes railway.

IE are currently constructing the Limerick Foynes railway as a freight line to support developments at Shannon Foynes Port.

A spokesperson for LCCC commented: “Engagement with Irish Rail remains ongoing in relation to examining the technical considerations of locating a greenway within the existing railway corridor”.

David Vaughan, programme manager, design and construction for Iarnród Éireann said it is possible for a greenway to be created adjacent to the track, linking Limerick city to Rathkeale with walking and cycling infrastructure but it is early days yet.

Mr Vaughan said at the latest meeting of the municipal district of Adare-Rathkeale that the Limerick Foynes Railway Project was moving at a good pace.

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Site clearance along the route of the railway line is ongoing, removal of the old track is complete, boundary fences have been installed, and structures rehabilitation is ongoing including the Maigue River railway bridge and the Deel railway bridge.

The laying of the new track is expected to begin in Q2 of 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

It was also mentioned by Mr Vaughan at the municipal meeting that the railway line, once completed, could potentially provide transport for passengers to and from Limerick city to Adare for the 2027 Ryder Cup.

This would be subject to further funding as the Limerick Foynes railway line is being constructed solely for freight line services.

If this occurred it would mean the creation of a station or a platform along the rail line in Adare by September 2027.

A spokesperson for IE said: “The current Foynes project, and funding for same, is solely for its operation as a freight line, but obviously will not involve anything which precludes future passenger services.”