RECENT national media reports claiming that the Limerick to Ballybrophy rail line is expected to close in the coming months, have been dismissed as inaccurate by Irish Rail.
Reports alleged that the national rail operator was expected to seek formal permission to close the service,
which includes a commuter train to Nenagh, after reporting low passenger numbers to the Department of Transport last year.
However, according to Jim Gallivan, business development manager with Irish Rail in Limerick, the service is “not expected to close”.
“Someone has speculated that the line is to close and made it into news, but no one here knows anything about it and I rang the PR office and they said it wasn’t the case.
“This rumour surfaces every year and this year is no different, with someone hopping the ball”.
Mr. Gallivan confirmed, however, that quieter routes are under review by the company.
“Some of the quieter lines may not be continued but at this point, it’s not expected that Limerick to Ballybrophy will go.
“But I can’t guarantee the future of any route”.
The manager added that there was no threat to the Limerick to Galway route, which had seen an increase in popularity among students of late.
“The route has seen the best uptake on the Limerick to Ennis section and back.
“We have eight or nine trains a day on the line and its helping to boost Ennis as a commuter town for Limerick, with students taking it up.
“There is competition with Bus Eireann and City Link on the remainder of the Galway route, but the Athenry to Limerick stretch is prospering as there is no bus service in this direction”.
He added that government imposed tax hikes would affect the price of commuter tickets, but not the cost of intercity bookings.
“We have hired a new commercial director and we will be focusing on promotions and special offers for the new year”.
