First phase of works to restore Limerick to Foynes rail line to cost €105milllion

Jim Meade, CEO of Iarnród Éireann, was joined by Pat Keating, CEO of Shannon-Foynes Port Company to witness the unloading of rail destined for the Foynes to Limerick Rail line | PICTURE: Liam Burke

placeholder image — Jim Meade, CEO of Iarnród Éireann, was joined by Pat Keating, CEO of Shannon-Foynes Port Company to witness the unloading of rail destined for the Foynes to Limerick Rail line | PICTURE: Liam Burke

A SENIOR Irish Rail official has revealed that the first phase of the Limerick to Foynes line restoration project has resulted in a capital investment of €105million for the region.

Dave Vaughan, Project Manager with Iarnrod Éireann provided councillors at an Adare/Rathkeale Municipal District (MD) meeting with an update on the latest works.

Last month, the first section of the track to be laid on the restored railway line landed in Foynes Port. This forms part of phase one, which will mainly see the renewal of the track.

"We have received confirmation of funding support from the Department of Transport for phase one. We are planning to award the main public contract in the coming days," he said.

Calls for re-introduction of passenger services on Limerick-Foynes rail line

Mr Vaughan expects the contractor on site in February.

Phase one, also includes vegetation clearance along the old 42km railway route started in October. The entire phase is expected to be complete by the end of 2024, Mr Vaughan indicated.

The transport company acknowledged the support of Shannon Foynes Port Company and the local authority in helping reach the construction stage.

The second and final phase will include an overlay of the restored track with moving parts such as a signalling system, CCTV, level crossing, barriers, public roads, track connections and a railway yard in Foynes.

"We have some concept design done, but It is subject to funding and if all goes to plan, the line will be fully open by Q4 2025," he said.

While the line will only open for freight services between Limerick and Foynes at first, Mr Vaughan stated Irish Rail are investigating the possibility of upgrading to passenger level services over time.

Cllr Emmet O' Brien (IND) said: "Any district that gets an investment of €105million should be dancing a jig at the thought of it. I am personally very excited by this."

Fine Gael coouncillor Adam Teskey asked about the total projected cost for phase two of the project.

Mr Vaughan responded: "We are still working on that. It is subject to the service plan. Phase one is the foundations, allowing for a large amount. It won't be to the scale of phase on."