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Colbert Station Interchange officially opens with ‘further ambitious transport plans’ for the city
Pictured at the opening of The Colbert Station Interchange were Ciarán Browne, Assistant Director of Capital Investments Irish Rail, Brian Leddin TD, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, Mayor of Limerick John Moran, Kieran O’Donnell TD, Stephen Kent, CEO Bus Eireann, and Jane Cregan, Corporate Communications Executive Irish Rail. Photograph Liam Burke/Press 22
“Limerick is only warming up” with the official opening of The Colbert Station Interchange with other ambitious transport plans on the horizon
Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD was joined by Mayor John Moran at the official opening of the Colbert Station Interchange, which the Minister described as “a beautiful new station that befits the majestic city of Limerick” noting “Limerick is only warming up” with further transport plans laid out.
As part of the future transport plans for Limerick, a planning application will be lodged for a new station at Moyross in 2025 with a future station also planned for Ballysimon. Next for Colbert Station will include the replacement of the train hall roof fabric and new office accommodation on the south side of the station.
The newly redeveloped Colbert Station Interchange provides improved multi-modal connectivity for public transport users providing a fitting welcome for the many visitors to the city.
The Colbert Station Transport Interchange has delivered a transformed customer-focused station building catering for current rail and bus services, and major expansions envisaged under Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS), 21 new bus bays with canopy at a new location, a new bus station building, a new ticket office and retail units, a new surface level car park, a drop-off and pick up area and Colbert Plaza which offers a unique amenity space.
The project was delivered by Iarnród Éireann Capital Investments Division in partnership with contractor Conack. The project took 25 months to complete and was delivered under budget at a total cost of €23million, which was funded by the National Transport Authority and delivered in six phases with the station remaining open throughout.
Colbert Station, a protected structure, has incorporated the new interchange and plaza design which are designed to enhance the original building and extend its lifespan.
The project has been shortlisted for an Irish Construction Industry Award, the award winners will be announced on November 7.
The ultimate objective under Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) is to deliver an integrated multi-modal public transport network based on a Transit-Oriented Development approach to the growth of the city and suburbs. This approach would support a frequent, reliable and sustainable rail service for the people of Limerick, reducing reliance on private cars.
Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD said, “Colbert Station is a beautiful new station that befits the majestic city of Limerick. The design has built on the history of the existing protected structure and has added to it, with new covered bus bays and an inviting public plaza at the front. It is everything that is great about public transport. Bustling activity with people heading off or arriving on trains and buses, with regular connections from here in the centre of the city to places right across the county, region as well as the country.”
Looking to the future for Limerick Transport, Minister Ryan noted this was just the beginning for the city, he said, “But Limerick is only warming up, with further ambitious transport plans for the wider metropolitan area, linking Shannon and Limerick with rail stations and new services along the way, and making it easier for people to get into and out of the city without the stress of congestion. This is a good day for Limerick. This is a good day for public transport.”
Anne Graham, Chief Executive of NTA said, “Investing in high-quality interchange infrastructure is central to the delivery of any integrated public transport system, and the development at Colbert is a good example of how this can work well. It’s very positive to see the facility up and running and we welcome the greatly improved experience that customers will enjoy here into the future.”
Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann spoke about beginning his career in Limerick having worked in Colbert Station for “many, many years”. He said, “To say it is now transformed is an understatement. It has become a fitting terminus station for the city of Limerick and provides excellent multi-modal connectivity for bus, rail and active transport. The transport interchange has future-proofed public transport for the city of Limerick for generations to come”
Stephen Kent, Chief Executive of Bus Éireann said, “Bus Éireann is proud to operate in this new, modern and customer-focused interchange at Colbert. As we have already commenced the first regional city fully electric fleet for Limerick, our services in the entire Mid-West region are expanding. This new station helps us to deliver further growth and to deliver a first-class service to our customers, as we connect them to the people and communities that matter most to them.”