'Key milestone': Green light for Limerick train station in boost for rail links

IARNRÓD Éireann has welcomed the decision of Limerick City and County Council to grant planning permission to commence construction for a new train station at Moyross.

The granting of planning permission for this crucial piece of infrastructure allows for the progression to the next stages of the project, which include detailed design, procurement, and further stakeholder engagement.

The station will be located at the rear of Corpus Christi Primary School and Moyross Community Enterprise Centre. Access to the station will be adjacent to both Corpus Christi Parish Church, and from Moyross Avenue through the Millennium Park, serving the civic heart of Moyross.

The project is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA), and forms part of the Department of Transport’s Pathfinder Programme, which consists of exemplar sustainable mobility projects to be delivered by local authorities and agencies around the country.

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The new Moyross station will be located on the existing Limerick to Galway rail line and will provide new public transport links for the growing population in this area, with connectivity to Limerick city centre, Galway, Cork, Dublin and beyond. It will also provide connections to local attractions such as Thomond Park and the TUS Gaelic Grounds, as well as the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and other educational and civic amenities.

The new station will also integrate with Limerick Council’s proposed University Avenue scheme, as well as the NTA’s BusConnects Limerick, and the proposed Limerick CycleConnects Network.

The provision of a new railway station in Moyross is highlighted as one of the rail-based measures in the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) 2040 and was also listed as an objective in the Limerick Development Plan 2022 - 2028. The new Moyross station will assist the regeneration of this area and will support the National Strategic objective of ‘Compact Growth’ as outlined in the National Development Plan 2021 - 2030.

On confirmation of funding, the project will move to tender preparation with station construction targeted to begin in 2026, with an estimated 15-month completion timeframe.

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien said:

"The granting of planning permission by Limerick City and County Council for the new station at Moyross represents a key milestone for the project. This new station will provide a key public transport connection to the growing urban area of Moyross, supporting its regeneration. The new station will provide a link to sporting and educational amenities in the city, helping people access the areas they want using a sustainable and reliable transport mode."

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, added:

"The granting of planning permission for Moyross station represents the latest positive development in a series of rail station upgrades progressing across our national rail network. This new station will help broaden access to the rail network and help implement the vision set out in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review."

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, commented:

“This project is a cornerstone of the More for Limerick Mayoral Programme and I am thrilled to see it granted planning permission. A modern and accessible train station will connect Moyross and surrounding areas like Caherdavin, Thomondgate, and the wider Northside, more directly with greater Limerick, other major cities, and, hopefully soon, Shannon Airport. It will unlock access to education, employment and social opportunities, all while benefitting business too. Moyross’ story continues to be written and I look forward to a new chapter being delivered.”

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Limerick Council, Cllr Catherine Slattery, said:

“This is a proud day for Moyross. Securing planning permission for the train station is a major milestone in our journey towards greater inclusion and opportunity across Limerick. For decades, this community has called for better connectivity and we are now one step closer to delivering it. I want to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this happen. Moyross deserves this investment, and I look forward to seeing the positive change it brings.”

Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive, Mary Considine stated: "The provision of a new station at Moyross is a key strategic development for the area. This station is a central provision of LSMATS  and aligns with our vision to deliver better rail connectivity for people in the Mid-West and make rail the backbone of Ireland's sustainable transport network. This station will provide excellent connectivity for the existing community of Moyross and for future communities.”

Hugh Creegan, Acting CEO of NTA concluded: “We are delighted to support the approval of the new Moyross station. This marks a significant milestone in delivering sustainable mobility and enhanced connectivity for the community. By linking Moyross directly into the broader rail network, this station is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable future for the people of Limerick.”