FIANNA Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism and Aviation Clare Cathal Crowe has said that a rail spur for Shannon Airport has been included in the National Development Plan.
The Cabinet has today signed off on the €165 billion plan, which runs from now until 2030, with a particular focus on priority solutions to strengthen housing, climate ambitions, transport, healthcare, jobs growth in every region and economic renewal for the decade ahead.
“Today’s announcement marks one of the biggest ever spends in the history of our state,” said Deputy Crowe.
“With focus on economic development in the regions, it was always going to be vital that we see Shannon Airport being the centre of attention.
“I am delighted to see that the long-awaited rail connection for Shannon Airport has been committed to, which will mean Shannon will be the country’s first airport with a rail link.
“Since my election as a county councillor in 2004, I have been heavily involved in efforts to ensure that the lands for this project are safeguarded and now, today’s announcement breathes new life into these plans.
“This will see the airport have a direct rail spur link to the existing Limerick to Galway line, meaning passengers can easily access the two cities as well as towns like Ennis and Sixmilebridge and so on by train upon arrival into Ireland.”
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.