Rail services between Limerick and Clare to resume following 'bridge strike'

RAIL services between Limerick and Clare are expected to resume this weekend following the completion of repair works to a bridge which was struck by a lorry earlier this week.

An emergency road and rail closure has been in place near Cratloe since the incident, which happened on Wednesday afternoon, caused some structural damage to the bridge. 

In a statement Clare County Council confirmed that “a traffic incident occurred on Wednesday,  June 7 2023 at Poulawilly Bridge on the R462 between Cratloe and Sixmilebridge.

The local road, from O’Gormans Cross to Craughaun Cemetery, will remain closed until further notice. 

An investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to the Garda Press Office. No injuries have been reported at this time and no arrests have been made.

Irish Rail has confirmed that the Limerick to Ennis rail line is closed while remedial works take place, and that bus transfers are in operation between Limerick, Sixmilebridge and Ennis. 

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In a statement, a spokesperson for the company expressed confidence that the works will be completed by this Saturday meaning Clare hurling fans will be able to travel by train for Sunday's Munster SHC final at TUS Gaelic Grounds.

“While we do not believe there will be any disruption to services, we will ensure that bus transfers are available for those booked to travel with us in the unlikely event that the line has not reopened,” the statement read.

Irish Rail says the incident highlights how crucial it is that drivers of high vehicles are aware of their clearance heights when approaching rail bridges.