She believes Limerick city should have more frequent, reliable, and sustainable alternatives to cars, and that existing rail lines are the answer.
A Limerick Councillor says there's huge potential for an increase in the Limerick to Castleconnell passenger rail service. With Irish Rail due to receive additional carriages in the coming months, Independent Councillor Ursula Gavan said the Limerick route should be front and centre.
Councillor Gavan says the city needs a more reliable, sustainable alternative to cars, and believes existing rail lines are the answer.
Calling for extra afternoon and a later evening services, Gavan told Live 95 News that a small intervention would make a huge impact on commuters, "The capacity is huge", she said. "We could have a rail line at the Parkway. You could stop at Annacotty. It could service the university... and the Technological Park".
In recent years, much of the focus has been on getting the West Limerick commuter train service on track in advance of the much-anticipated Ryder Cup in Adare in 2027. Cllr Gavan, who is from Castleconnell, has noted the opportunity of more services available to the Eastern side of Limerick, "All the talk has been about Foynes and Patrickswell, but the existing line there for Castleconnell has been forgotten about."
Castleconnell Railway Station dates back to 1855. Castleconnell commuters can get the morning train, park in the car park, and travel to either Colbert Station in Limerick City or to Birdhill / Nenagh. This service was introduced in 2008.
