Work begins to identify location for new train station in Limerick

IARNRÓD Éireann has appointed consultants to progress the development and construction of a new train station in Limerick city.

Following confirmation by the Department of Transport that it is to fund the new station in Moyross, the transport company has now appointed Atkins to progress the plans.

The immediate objective is to identify a preferred location and option for the station itself, which will be on the Limerick to Galway line.  When built and opened, the station in Moyross will be the nearest station to Colbert Station in Limerick city.

"A station in the Moyross area will support compact growth and provide connection to major attractions of Thomond Park and TUS Gaelic Grounds and provide a sustainable transport option for the existing and planned increased population in Limerick," said a spokesperson for Iarnród Eireann.

The area under examination is a 2km stretch of railway, starting at the western bank of the River Shannon, extending 2km to the edge of Moyross (see attached map).

Separately, Atkins has been appoint to examine the prospect of improving capacity and reducing journey times between Colbert Station at Limerick Junction.

The existing single-track sections of the 35km route between the two stations – approximately 80% of the route - restrict capacity for services and lead to increased waiting time on the line.

"The initial phase of the project will review options to enhance capacity on the route. It is anticipated that double tracking of the entire line could be required, and this shall be assessed, along with a range of alternative options and solutions to increase capacity and meet the objectives, which shall be determined as the project progresses," said a spokesperson.

Both the Moyross station and Limerick Junction projects are funded by the National Transport Authority, as part of Project Ireland 2040, and facilitate the forthcoming Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS).

Anne Graham, chief executive of the National Transport Authority has welcomed the appointment of consultants.

“The NTA welcomes the appointment of design consultants to progress the development of rail passenger services as part of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.  The proposed enhanced rail passenger services will provide more opportunity for local communities to travel sustainably in the Limerick region”.

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Jim Meade, chief executive of Iarnród Éireann added: "It is a sign of the firm commitment of Government, the NTA and Iarnród Éireann to the delivery of these projects that we have consultants ready to hit the ground running to progress both Moyross and Limerick to Limerick Junction capacity improvements.   We look forward to these projects being the start of a transformation of rail services in the Limerick area under the proposed Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.”

Highways and Transportation Director for Atkins, Tony Mortimer, said he delighted to  have been appointed for Phase 1 and Phase 2.

"These projects aim to improve the local, regional and national rail infrastructure and provide greater connectivity in Ireland. Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has extensive experience delivering similar projects in Ireland and internationally and is excited to work with Iarnród Éireann to deliver on Ireland’s ambitious transport targets.”