Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2022
20. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the status of plans to progress a rail stop on the existing rail line at locations in Moyross and Corbally in Limerick city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10361/22]
View answerThe draft Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) was published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in September 2020. The draft was developed in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland and public consultation was held on the draft for an 8-week period.
Since the conclusion of the public consultation exercise, the main task the NTA has engaged in has been to undertake a more detailed examination of the potential for suburban rail to play a major role in the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area’s transport system. While that work is ongoing, works are planned to upgrade Colbert Station.
With regard to any new stations, the NTA has allocated funding of €250,000 to Iarnród Éireann in 2022 to carry out the Concept, Feasibility and Option Selection studies required to identify a preferred location and preferred option for a new railway station in the Moyross area of Limerick.
The Deputy may wish to note that the NTA has also allocated funding of €250,000 in 2022 to enable Iarnród Éireann to undertake the Concept, Feasibility and Option Selection studies that will lead to a preferred option for double tracking between Limerick Junction and Limerick Colbert Station.
As to next steps for the LSMATS, the NTA intend to undertake a second round of public consultation in due course with a consultation period of about one month. Following receipt of feedback from the second round of public consultation, it is intended to finalise the LSMATS and publish as the completed transport framework for the city. The finalisation of the strategy is a matter for the NTA.
I would encourage the Deputy and all interested parties to participate in this important consultation process when it opens and contribute to the future plans of public transport in the Limerick City Metropolitan Area.
