The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
WORK is still ongoing on the possible development of a rail spur to Shannon, Minister Eamon Ryan has told the Dáil.
Clare TD Joe Carey asked for a report on progress with regards to the provision of a rail spur to the airport from the Ennis-Limerick line, and when he expects a study to commence.
Responding, Minister Ryan said, “As stated in the National Development Plan the issue of a rail spur from Limerick to Shannon Airport is being considered in the context of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS).
“As the Deputy may be aware, that strategy is being developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
“A draft strategy was published in September 2020 and was open for public consultation for eight weeks.
“Since the conclusion of that public consultation exercise, the NTA has conducted further analytical work to inform the next iteration of the strategy.
“I understand that among the issues raised during the public consultation were issues related to the role of rail in the region, including potential connectivity to Shannon Airport, and that role is under further examination by the NTA for inclusion in a revised draft strategy.
“I understand that the NTA intends to undertake a second round of public consultation to cover a revised draft strategy shortly.
“Following receipt of feedback from the second round of public consultation, it is intended to finalise the strategy and publish it as the completed transport investment framework for the metropolitan area.
“When finalised, the strategy will set out the framework for investment in transport for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area for the next 20 years including proposals for rail investment.”
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked for a number of other regional titles in Limerick, Galway and Cork.
