There is a mixed reaction amongst transport stakeholders in Clare following the publication of the Draft All-Island Rail Strategy Review.
The cross border report has outlined 30 recommendations aimed at enhancing Ireland’s rail network including the development of a rail spur at Shannon Airport.
The Department of Transport’s All-Island Rail Strategy is aiming to deliver a €36 billion investment in Ireland’s transport infrastructure over the next twenty-five years.
The plans propose a series of ambitious targets including halving the travel time between major cities, doubling passenger numbers on key routes and enabling 90% of all aviation passengers with the possibility of travelling to the airport by rail lines.
Subsequently the review has recommended the development of rail spurs at Dublin, Cork, Belfast and indeed Shannon Airports.
Between January and June, Shannon Airport experienced a record demand for overseas travel with over 902,000 passengers boarding flights at the facility, representing a six percent increase on Pre-Pandemic figures.
While the President of Shannon Chamber is confident this will significantly improve operations , he says interim measures are required to improve accessibility to the airport.
Eoin Gavin who is also the owner of Eoin Gavin Transport believes the Government could immediately enhance services by providing nationalised bus links to and from Sixmilebridge and Ennis Train Stations.
A Clare Rail Advocate meanwhile, is raising concerns over the omission of the Crusheen Rail Stop from the review.
The review has recommended the reopening of the Galway Mayo Rail Link and the South-East Rail Link.
The Corridor would upon completion enable the transportation of freight and passengers from Athenry in Galway to the southern ports of Waterford and Foynes for the first time in over twenty years while passing through Clare on its way.
However Spokesperson for the Crusheen Rail Stop Campaign Group and West On Track , Michael Doherty feels that communities in North Clare and its environs will be unnecessarily missing out on an essential service.
You can listen to the full interview below.
