LABOUR councillor Joe Leddin has once again requested the Council to establish a working group of relevant stakeholders, including Iarnrod Éireann, to examine the feasibility and potential of the former Irish Cement railway line for commuter use.
Closed for decades, the spur line travels from Mungret, Ballykeefe, Dooradoyle, and Rosbrien into Colbert station.
The main Limerick to Foynes railway line is now being upgraded to facilitate freight coming to and from Foynes Port.
City West representative Cllr Joe Leddin, who welcomed the upgrade, takes the view that the failure to even undertake a feasibility study on the former cement line is a missed opportunity.
“In the longer term, the Foynes to Limerick line will enable passenger traffic which will contribute significantly to offering commuters alternative more sustainable modes of transport,” he told the Limerick Post.
“However, lost in the debate and Government plans to provide new smarter, cleaner ways to travel – for whatever reason – is the former Irish Cement railway line that connects the growing communities of Mungret, Raheen, and Dooradoyle with the city.
“Hundreds of new houses are being built with thousands of new jobs being created in the area which will require new forms of infrastructure to include park and ride facilities, increase bus routes and frequencies.”
Cllr Leddin sees the disused railway line with a significant role to play in delivering transport solutions to meet the growing needs of the Mungret, Raheen, and Dooradoyle community.
“The upgrade, which could be done over a phased basis, could deliver light rail and/or a green route which would considerably enhance public and smarter travel options.
“While plans are being designed for possibly new railway links with Shannon Airport, I will continue to campaign for action and a focus on examining this an existing line that offers so much untapped potential,” he concluded.
