Hopes That Rail Link Between Shannon Airport And Limerick Would Boost Passenger Numbers

© Shannon Airport Picture

It’s claimed putting a direct rail link between Shannon Airport and Limerick City in place would see passenger numbers at the airport soar.

The National Transport Authority has confirmed a public consultation on a metro link will begin in the first three months of next year.

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Limerick Senator Maria Byrne there pressing the importance of a Shannon-Limerick rail link in the Seanad with the Transport Minister.

There have been calls for such a project in Clare for many years now, having first been driven by the late former county Mayor, Seán Hillery.

Despite an indication in recent months that a public consultation on such a project would begin by the end of this year, the NTA has now confirmed it will be Quarter 1 of 2020 before that will begin.

Newmarket-on-Fergus Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat McMahon is welcoming the news, saying it will provide a much-needed boost for passenger numbers at Shannon, as well as more options for tourists coming to Ireland.

In a statement to Clare FM, the NTA says it is currently producing a draft Transport Strategy for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area, which is expected to include the provision of such a rail link.

The statement goes on to say the top priority now is produce a plan that is properly thought through, even if it takes longer than planned.

But with much of the necessary infrastructure already said to be in place, Sixmilebridge Fine Gael Councillor John Crowe, who is Chair of Clare’s Physical Development Committee, wants to see work commence as a matter of urgency.