Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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65. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the provision of a rail spur to Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10300/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The issue of a rail spur from Limerick to Shannon Airport has been considered in the context of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS). As the Deputy may be aware, that Strategy was developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The final Strategy was published in December 2022. The Strategy sets out the framework for investment in transport for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area for the next 20 years, including proposals for rail investment. 

In addition to the improved access to Shannon Airport proposed under BusConnects Limerick, LSMATS provides for the route identification and protection of a potential future rail line that would serve Shannon Airport. However, in the immediate term, the Strategy highlights that a bus-based connection between Colbert Station and Shannon Airport would have 84% occupancy compared to 24% for a rail link. To increase the viability of a potential rail link, the Strategy recommends a focused approach to land use to support rail-based transport-oriented development.

The Deputy may wish to note that the Strategic Rail Review is also considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities including the potential for higher/high-speed, enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways, including Shannon airport.

The Review is now at an advanced stage and will be published after the necessary approvals are secured on both sides of the border.