FINE Gael councillor Stephen Keary has called on Limerick Council to write to the Minister for Transport to “drive home” the necessity of a rail passenger line from Foynes to Limerick.
Speaking at the April meeting of the Economic Development, Enterprise, Planning, and Tourism Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), Cllr Keary took the view that this action would minimise the number of cars and trucks travelling on the N69.
The Adare Rathkeale district councillor believes that a passenger line from Foynes to the city and beyond would be a very important asset for West Limerick.
“In light of recent events over the last week or two with the energy crisis that’s a worldwide problem, I think that we should be writing to the Minister to try and begin dialogue with Iarnród Éireann on a rail line.
“You could have a park and ride situation in Foynes and get on the train there and progress the whole way to Dublin if you so wished. It would take a lot of traffic off the roads and give comfort to people of all ages to sit in a railway carriage and travel that way,” Cllr Keary commented.
The Council said that it meets regularly with Irish Rail and would relay his comments for further consideration.
“It would take a lot of traffic off the roads from North Kerry to be able to sit on a train at Foynes. It would be much more accommodating than trying to drive a car,” Cllr Keary replied.