Written answers

Thursday, 16 December 2021

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Public Transport

Photo of Maurice QuinlivanMaurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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18. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to deliver a train station in Moyross, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62415/21]

Photo of Violet-Anne WynneViolet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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35. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the proposed capital project on a rail line between Limerick city and Shannon Airport; the projected and total cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62413/21]

Photo of Hildegarde NaughtonHildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 35 together.

As stated in the National Development Planthese issues are being considered in the context of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS).

As the Deputies may be aware, that Strategyis being developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. A draft Strategywas published in September 2020 and was open for public consultation for 8 weeks.

Since the conclusion of last year’s public consultation exercise, the NTA has conducted further analytical work to inform the next iteration of the Strategy. I understand that among the issues raised during the public consultation were issues related to the role of rail in the region, including potential connectivity to Shannon Airport and additional stations such as Moyross, and that role is under further examination by the NTA for inclusion in a revised draft Strategy.

I understand that the NTA intends to undertake a second round of public consultation on a revised draft strategy early next year.Following receipt of feedback from the second round of public consultation, it is intended to finalise theStrategy and publish it as the completed transport investment framework for the metropolitan area.

When finalised, the Strategy will set out the framework for investment in transport for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area for the next 20 years including proposals for rail investment. Importantly the Strategy will be integrated within relevant land-use plans and that integration is crucial if we are to enable the emergence of a more sustainable Limerick. A Limerick that provides better access for citizens to work, education and leisure opportunities through improved active travel, bus and rail infrastructure.

Minister Ryan and I look forward to working with the Deputies as we look to improve the transport network in the Limerick area in the years ahead.

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