This article is from page 2 of the 2006-10-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
MORE than 14,000 extra people could be traveling through Ennis train station daily before the end of 2008.
These figures were released last week after the Minister for Transport Martin Cullen granted permission for work to begin on the €100 million Western Rail Corridor, which when completed will link Limerick to Galway.
The Ennis to Galway line will form the first phase of development and should be completed early in 2008.
Under the proposals, seven trains per day will travel between Galway and Limerick, passing through existing stations in Ennis and Athenry as well as five restored stations at Sixmilebridge, Gort, Ardrahan, Craughwell and Oranmore.
“Once the line is opened it will enhance Clare as a tourist and business location, and help towards balanced regional growth and development,” said General Election candidate, Madeleine Taylor-Quinn (FG).
However, she added that it was imperative that the rail spur to Shannon from the Ennis/Limerick line was advanced with urgency.
“I am calling on Minister Cullen to expedite the feasibility study for the spur line to Shannon, so that the region can maximise on the benefits of the international airport, and that the construction of the rail spur is prioritised,” she continued.
The present plan includes the provision for a commuter bus between Shannon Airport and Sixmilebridge. Plans are also in an advanced stage to reopen the tracks as far as Castlebar in the near future.
“This whole project will be absolutely fantastic for Shannon Airport and especially if the whole project comes on line as soon as possible,” said Colmán Ó Raghallaigh of West on Track. “It would open up Shannon to all of Mayo and Galway as well as Clare and Limerick. This is a huge operation and a bits and pieces approach won’t have the same effect.”
Mr Ó Raghallaigh also expressed his hope that the project could be completed ahead of schedule.