'Prioritise rail link to Shannon Airport', Government is told

MANAGEMENT at Shannon Airport have asked Government to prioritise plans to link the hub up to the Irish Rail network.

A spur from Sixmilebridge train station out to Shannon has long been mooted, in a move which would make the local airport the only one in Ireland directly linked by rail.

Now it is in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, the chief executive of the Shannon Airport Group Mary Considine says now is the time to act.

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The group sees the creation of a rail-link as "a transformative project that would enhance regional accessibility for over 10,000 daily commuters".

Elsewhere, Shannon Airport wants to be included in Ireland's Regional Airports Programme 2026 to 2030.

This, they feel will "enable targeted capital investment."

"This would enhance operational capacity, safety, and sustainability, ensuring Shannon Airport continues to support trade, tourism, and labour mobility in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Shannon Airport has a key role to play in advancing the objectives of Project Ireland 2040, serving as a key driver for both the national and regional economy. By investing in infrastructure improvements and expanding route networks, Shannon Airport can reinforce Ireland’s long-term economic resilience, ensuring that the West of Ireland thrives economically, contributing to the balanced development outlined in the National Planning Framework," the group stated.

Government is also being urged to implement the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce recommendations.

The group made several recommendations to leverage the local region's potentially, particularly around renewable energy and industrial development

The taskforce recommended prioritising the Shannon Airport Rail Link.

Commenting on the group’s submission Mary Considine, chief executive of The Shannon Airport Group said: "The National Development Plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebalance regional development. Our Group’s submission reinforces the need for a more equitable distribution of capital investment, aligning with Minister Chambers’ vision of boosting economic growth, enhancing competitiveness, and achieving balanced regional development. Shannon Airport is a vital economic engine for the Irish economy, and we are calling on Government to ensure that the updated National Development Plan delivers the infrastructure and investment needed to realise the full potential of this region."