Rail stop on the horizon for Crusheen

AFTER extensive campaigning, Crusheen looks likely to have its own rail stop within the next two years. However, the possibility of a rail link connecting Shannon Airport to Galway and Limerick was ruled out by Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey at the official opening of the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor on Monday.
Nearly 34 years after the last scheduled passenger train travelled between the two cities, huge crowds turned out as a special train carrying invited guests once again traversed the tracks, officially launching the service.
People turned out at Limerick, Sixmilebridge, Ennis, Gort, Ardrahan, Craughwell and Athenry stations to watch as history was made and the country’s third and fourth cities were once again linked by rail.
The €106.5 million new route will now deliver five services between Galway and Limerick on weekdays and four on Sundays.
Rapturous applause greeted the announcement by Dr John Lynch, chairman of Iarnród Éireann, that “it is, at this stage, almost certain that we will open a station in Crusheen”.
Speaking to The Clare Champion, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, said he believed “significant progress would be made in the next 12 to 18 months” in relation to the Crusheen railway station.
However, the minister ruled out the possibility of a rail link from the reopened line to the airport. “I have to be honest and straight as I would always try to be. The study was done on that and it showed that it would cost between €260m and €500m and that is just not on in the current climate and I doubt it would be on in any kind of climate because the distance involved and the cost benefit or the return on it wouldn’t be good enough,” he said.
Director of Shannon Airport, Martin Moroney, was keen to point out, however, that the airport could be connected to the Western Rail Corridor by other means.
“Improvements in connectivity are vital in supporting business development, which in turn enhances the economics of the region. I believe this new rail service has the potential to expand the airport’s catchment area. Options for transferring passengers directly to and from the airport via Sixmilebridge Station are currently being examined, so as to maximise the benefit to the airport and its customers,” he stated.
At Monday’s launch, Dr John Lynch also announced a new station for Oranmore is expected to open next year.
The next phase of the WRC will join Athenry and Tuam, while phase three continues the line to Claremorris, with phase four connecting to Sligo.
“A good start is half the work”, said Colmán Ó Raghallaigh of lobby group West on Track but he reminded guests at the WRC launch that the other half is still to do.
“Let us not forget, however, that the real strength of the Western Rail Corridor is the sum of all its parts. By continuing out to Tuam and Claremorris, our country will reap the benefits of this magnificent piece of prime national infrastructure in terms of tourism, education, health and economic development,” he said.