Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

229. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a report on progress with regard to the provision of a rail spur to Shannon Airport from the main Ennis-Limerick rail line; when he expects a study to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15897/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As stated in the National Development Planthe issue of a rail spur from Limerick to Shannon Airport is being considered in the context of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS).

As the Deputy 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 that 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 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 to cover a revised draft strategy shortly. Following receipt of feedback from the second round of public consultation, it is intended to finalise theStrategyand publish it as the completed transport investment framework for the metropolitan area.

When finalised, the Strategywill set out the framework for investment in transport for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area for the next 20 years including proposals for rail investment.