It’s claimed the purpose of public transport has been defeated by a failure to implement flood defence solutions at Ballycar.
It comes as the Ennis to Limerick rail line is expected to be closed for weeks due to the latest installment of legacy flooding problems.
Over 1,800 commuters travel by rail from Ennis to Limerick every single week, however for the at least the next fortnight this figure will reduce dramatically to zero, as the rail track has once again become submerged.
It’s the first time in four years that flooding has occurred here, something Iarnród Eireann attributes to the cumulative affect of rainfall, and the slow drainage associated within Ballycar’s geological environment.
But for locals, the closure of the line has been all too common of late and Newmarket On-Fergus Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat McMahon says despite promises over the years, no progress has been made on solving the problem.
Back in 2003, Iarnród Eireann carried out works to raise the track height at Ballycar by some 60cm to mitigate flooding, but the reprieve was short-lived, with the line last re-opening after flooding in April 2020.
Last year, following an consultation process with the Office of Public Works, Clare County Council and the National Parks And Wildlife Service, Iarnród Eireann identified a “technically feasible drainage solution” that would cost €16.7m.
But as yet, there’s been no movement on the required funding being ringfenced.
Over the decades the flooding has closed local roads and restricted access to farm lands, but Sixmilebridge Independent Councillor PJ Ryan believes persistent failures by the state to address the issue defeat the purpose of public transport.
You can listen to the full interview here:
It remains to be seen for how long the current spate of flooding will persist, in the meantime, Bus transfers will be in operation between Limerick and Ennis in both directions for all services.
