LIMERICK could be set to get an additional train station as plans to develop a commuter rail service for the Treaty progress.
Iarnród Éireann has appointed AtkinsRéalis to develop plans for a new station at Ballysimon.
The proposed new rail station would facilitate a park and ride service into the city, with the aim of reducing the reliance on private cars, as part of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS).
AtkinsRéalis has also been tasked with planning new stations for Cabra and Kylemore in Dublin.
The company have also been appointed to examine the feasibility of increasing services on the Ennis to Limerick rail line.
The track is currently constrained by a single track railway, with potential enhancements intended to reduce journey times and increase capacity for both passenger and freight journeys.
Increasing the capacity of the Limerick-Ennis line is also part of the LSMATS plan, and will help to facilitate ambitions to increase train services between Galway and Limerick, as outlined in the draft All-Island Strategic Rail Review.
The preferred options for both studies are set to be published at the end of this year.
Transport Minister Éamon Ryan said: “I am delighted that studies are underway into increasing capacity on the Limerick-Ennis rail line and developing new train stations in Ballysimon, Cabra, and Kylemore. These locations were identified in the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area and Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategies as enablers for transport-orientated development.”
“These studies indicate this government’s commitment to providing new, quality public transport options, including rail, across Ireland. I look forward to their completion.”
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Jim Meade said: “At Iarnród Éireann we are delighted that studies are underway on these key infrastructure developments.”
“We believe strongly that providing frequent and reliable rail services to more and more communities will greatly assist in reducing reliance on private cars and will go a long way to meeting Ireland’s climate action targets. This will help establish rail as the backbone of Ireland’s sustainable transport network.”
