Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The National Transport Authority published the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport strategy, LSMATS, in December of last year. The strategy was prepared by the NTA in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, with the co-operation of Iarnród Éireann, and provides a roadmap for sustainable transport in the region for the next 20 years.

Proposals for investment in rail under LSMATS include a new station in Moyross, which I announced last October as a pathfinder project to be delivered within the next three years; a new station at Ballysimon, along with park-and-ride facilities; an increase in the frequency of services on the Ballybrophy line to two trains hourly; an increase in the frequency of services on the Ennis line to three trains hourly; dual tracking of the line from Limerick Junction to Colbert station; and the upgrading of Colbert station.

LSMATS also proposes a detailed feasibility study to determine future investment in rail infrastructure and commuter services in the Limerick area. The proposed study will assess future development in the region, evaluate future demand based on projected increases in population and economic activity and outline medium- to long-term investment in rail. Options around investment in improving existing infrastructure and investment in new infrastructure will be examined in detail, including the reuse of the Foynes and Mungret lines, a future rail line to Shannon and future stations at appropriate locations integrated with high-density transport-orientated development.

The Deputy can be assured that progress is happening on the ground now, as evidenced by the completion of the Ballybrophy track-relaying project last year, the commencement of the Foynes line rehabilitation works this year and the well-advanced plans to upgrade Colbert and Moyross stations' inclusion in the pathfinder programme of projects.

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