Galway-to-Limerick rail link on track for 2009
Saturday November 17 2007
Direct rail services between Galway and Limerick will begin in 2009, transport officials pledged yesterday.
Tracks have started to be laid in the €106m first phase of the Western Rail Corridor redevelopment between Ennis and Athenry -- 30 years after scheduled services ceased.
Speaking from Craughwell, Co Galway, where track work has commenced, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said the new rail line reflected the continued growth in the region.
"The commencement of track laying on this section of the Western Rail Corridor from Limerick to Galway is a major step forward in the development of the heavy rail network planned under the Government's €34bn Transport 21 programme,'' he said.
"The re-opening of commuter services along this route and the introduction of new stations at Sixmilebridge, Gort, Ardrahan, Craughwell and Oranmore demonstrate the continued growth and development in the Limerick and Galway gateways.
"The service will begin operation in 2009," Mr Dempsey added.
Scheduled passenger services have not operated between Limerick and Galway since April 1976.
- Colm Kelpie
