Cathal Doherty, 27 Dec
LIMERICK City and County Council (LCCC) has opened discussions with
Iarnród Éireann (IE) for the development of a greenway along the
Limerick Foynes railway.
IE are currently constructing the Limerick Foynes railway as a freight
line to support developments at Shannon Foynes Port.
A spokesperson for LCCC commented: “Engagement with Irish Rail remains
ongoing in relation to examining the technical considerations of
locating a greenway within the existing railway corridor”.
David Vaughan, programme manager, design and construction for Iarnród
Éireann said it is possible for a greenway to be created adjacent to
the track, linking Limerick city to Rathkeale with walking and cycling
infrastructure but it is early days yet.
Mr Vaughan said at the latest meeting of the municipal district of
Adare-Rathkeale that the Limerick Foynes Railway Project was moving at
a good pace.
[GN4_DAT_10805385_1702896903.jpg--calls_for_restoration_of_iconic_limer
ick_landmark.jpg?1702896903550]
Calls for restoration of iconic Limerick landmark
Site clearance along the route of the railway line is ongoing, removal
of the old track is complete, boundary fences have been installed, and
structures rehabilitation is ongoing including the Maigue River railway
bridge and the Deel railway bridge.
The laying of the new track is expected to begin in Q2 of 2024 and is
expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
It was also mentioned by Mr Vaughan at the municipal meeting that the
railway line, once completed, could potentially provide transport for
passengers to and from Limerick city to Adare for the 2027 Ryder Cup.
This would be subject to further funding as the Limerick Foynes railway
line is being constructed solely for freight line services.
If this occurred it would mean the creation of a station or a platform
along the rail line in Adare by September 2027.
A spokesperson for IE said: “The current Foynes project, and funding
for same, is solely for its operation as a freight line, but obviously
will not involve anything which precludes future passenger services.”