by Alan Jacques
RESIDENTS in Dooradoyle and Raheen are concerned there will be issues with security and noise if the Foynes railway line is re-opened.
Householders bordering the line in City West have been notified by Iarnród Éireann that the clearance of vegetation on the line will provide information for a study by the Shannon Foynes Port Company on the feasibility of using the line for freight traffic.
Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler told the Limerick Post that he had been contacted by a number of residents in the Dooradoyle/Raheen area who received these letters and are “concerned” by developments.
“Noise is a paramount concern, as is safety, as the line has been used as a passage for burglars to gain entry to the rear of properties. It is worth noting that the line has been out of use for much of the time these people have been living in their houses.
“I myself grew near the line when it was used for a number of services including Irish Cement,” he added.
Cllr Butler has met with local residents and contacted the Council and Irish Rail to voice their concerns.
According to Cllr Butler, Irish Rail’s community liaison reassured him that they are at an early stage in the process, but they will give consideration as to whether any noise mitigations are required and would examine the adequacy of the existing boundary treatment along the route.
He said he is hopeful Irish Rail will continue to keep open lines of communication with residents and local representatives
“I would urge patience on behalf of residents and hope we can work together to ensure this develops to everyone’s satisfaction as this is a vital piece of infrastructure for the future of Foynes Port and beyond,” he concluded.
