A Clare TD claims a major investment will be essential to permanently eradicate flooding on the Ennis to Limerick rail line and continue to support the growth of a popular service.
It comes as Iarnród Eireann has confirmed that a multi-million euro sum will be needed to bring an end to legacy issues at Ballycar near Newmarket-On-Fergus.
Following an extensive consultation involving the office of public works, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Clare County Council and indeed Iarnród Eireann, the sum of €16.7m has been identified to develop a technically feasible drainage solution.
The project would hope to encompass the wider Shannon Estuary region with the ultimate goal of eliminating the threat of flooding on the Ennis to Limerick line.
It 2018 the route was out of action for two months, following persistent levels of water engulfing the track at Ballycar near Newmarket-On-Fergus.
Iarnród Eireann Corporate Communications Manager, Barry Kenny believes the service can only progress with the necessary infrastructure.
Despite the seemingly high cost of the project, a Clare TD claims it is essential that the broader opportunities of Clare’s rail network are recognised.
Between January and June of this year alone, over 44,000 passengers availed of the route, which is 21% higher than the total recorded for the entirety of 2019.
Additonally Iarnród Eireann is set to invest €300,000 later this year and a further €400,000 in 2024 in a feasability study aimed at expanding the capacity of the service.
The All-Island Rail Strategy review meanwhile has recommended the development of a rail spur at Shannon Airport by 2030.
With ambitious goals on the horizon, Scariff Independent Deputy Michael McNamara says the Department of Transport must strike while the iron is hot.
Ultimately the works will be subject to Department of Transport Approval and Exchequer funding, so it remains to be seen if this development train will stay on track.
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