Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022
229. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a report on progress with regard to the provision of a rail spur to Shannon Airport from the main Ennis-Limerick rail line; when he expects a study to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15897/22]
View answerAs 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 8 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.
