Rail links from Limerick to Shannon Airport and Foynes proposed in new report

A REPORT published today by the Department of Transport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in Northern Ireland has outlined a variety of ways to improve the current railway system across the island of Ireland.

One of the goals outlined in the final report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is to add rail connections from Limerick to Shannon Airport and Foynes, with the potential for new train stations to be developed along both urban links.

Connecting Belfast International and Dublin airports to the railway system is also a focus of the report.

One of the Regional and Rural improvement goals is to upgrade Limerick Junction, with the development of a dual-track electrified train line between Limerick Colbert and Limerick Junction, and a chord Limerick Junction supporting direct Cork to Waterford services. 

On a national level, the review recommends that improvements be made to the railway system across the island, including implementing electrified and decarbonised railways, building dual-track and four-track railways, and having a 200km/h core intercity railway network.

The report estimates that the capital cost of implementing all of the recommendations by 2050 is approximately €35-37 billion, and that “the monetised benefits to society from such investment would cover the costs, meeting the goal of economic feasibility”. 

The document concludes that more direct services between Galway, Limerick and Cork are necessary. 

Regional and rural lines should have at least one train per two hours, according to the report, as well as hourly services between Limerick, Galway, Cork and Waterford.

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Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan stated, “This is an important day for the island of Ireland. This is not just the first All-Island Strategic Rail Review, it is the most ambitious vision for rail in a century, bringing us forward to a new age of rail.” 

“The Report provides a long-term vision and a series of recommendations for the sustainable development of the rail network on the island. I would like to see the recommendations actioned as soon as possible,” he added.  

DfI Minister John O’Dowd said, “The publication of the Final Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, the first of its kind across this island, is historic and I am pleased that we have reached this point. The Report provides an evidence-based framework to help guide future investment in our rail network, and will help us meet our climate commitments.”