Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
209. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport his views on connecting Shannon Airport to the national rail network as a priority project under the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4947/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the issue of a rail spur from Limerick to Shannon Airport has been considered in the context of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS). That Strategy was developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The final Strategy was published in December 2022. The Strategy sets out the framework for investment in transport for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area for the next 20 years, including proposals for rail investment.
In addition to the improved access to Shannon Airport proposed under BusConnects Limerick, LSMATS provides for the route identification and protection of a potential future rail line that would serve Shannon Airport. However, in the immediate term, the Strategy highlights that a bus-based connection between Colbert Station and Shannon Airport would have 84% occupancy compared to 24% for a rail link. To increase the viability of a potential rail link, the Strategy recommends a focused approach to land use to support rail-based transport-oriented development.
Further proposals for investment in rail under LSMATS include:
- A new rail station at Moyross;
- The reopening of the Limerick-Shannon Foynes line for freight services;
- A new station at Ballysimon, along with park and ride facilities;
- Increasing the frequency of services on the Ballybrophy line to two trains hourly;
- Increasing the frequency of services on the Ennis line to three trains hourly;
- Dual tracking of the line from Limerick Junction to Colbert Station;
- Upgrading of Colbert Station.
The Deputy may wish to note that the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is also considering the future of the rail network with regard to, among other ambitions, improving rail connectivity to our international gateways, including Shannon airport.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft was published for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation in July 2023. Connecting Shannon Airport to the railway is included in the recommendations in the draft Review.
The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September and submissions are now under review by officials from both jurisdictions. Following this process, it is expected that a final report will be submitted for Ministerial approval and ultimately the approval of the Government, as well as to the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland if in place.
It is expected that the final Review will be published by the Summer.
