Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2023
20. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the engagements that his Department has had regarding advancing the construction of a train station at Moyross, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2354/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) published the final Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) on 1 December 2022. The strategy was prepared by the NTA in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, with the cooperation of Iarnród Éireann.
It provides a roadmap for sustainable transport in the region over the next 20 years. The LSMATS was subject to two full rounds of public consultation and the final report reflects a broad range of views from across the metropolitan area. Construction of a new train station at Moyross is proposed under the LSMATS.
Following a call to local authorities in summer 2022 to submit their most innovative, transformative plans for public transport, walking and cycling in their areas, I launched the Pathfinder Programme in October 2022. The programme of 35 exemplar transport projects will be delivered by local authorities and agencies around the country within the next three years.
The Pathfinder Programme forms a key part of the implementation of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, which in turn is a key part of the Government’s plan to achieve a 50% reduction in transport greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland by 2030. Construction of a new train station at Moyross was selected for inclusion in the Pathfinder Programme.
In November 2022 Iarnród Éireann announced the appointment of consultants to help identify the appropriate location for the new train station and options for the construction of the station itself, with a view to delivery 2025.
