Business
Track laying begins on Foynes to Limerick City rail line
Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, Jim Meade was joined by Pat Keating CEO Shannon Foynes Port Company, Noel Curtis, SISK Project Director and Fiona Malone, Resident Engineer at Askeaton Co. Limerick to mark the commencement of track laying on the Foynes to Limerick City Rail Freight line. Photograph by Eamon Ward
Track laying on the Foynes to Limerick City rail line marks a significant milestone of phase one of the reopening of the line
Chief Executive of Iarnróid Eireann, Jim Meade, celebrated the event with elected representatives and project team members.
The renewal project spans a 42km stretch joining Limerick City and Foynes Port, originally opening in 1858, but has been inactive since 2001. During this inactive period, the line remained under the stewardship of Iarnród Éireann and is now getting a new lease of life through the refurbishment and reintroduction of rail freight services.
The project plays a key role in Iarnród Éireann’s Rail Freight 2040 Strategy, and the Shannon Foynes Port Company Masterplan, Vision 2041.
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The reopening of the Limerick to Foynes rail line for freight services also satisfies several national, regional, and local development objectives as well as objectives of common interest with the EU.
It is hoped that by creating more connections similar to the Foynes Port to Limerick City Rail Freight Line, this will provide businesses with a sustainable alternative to road freight, improving transport logistics to Foynes Port; both Iarnród Éireann and Shannon Foynes Port Company are collaborating on the project to ensure these goals can be achieved.
The main contractor, Sisk and specialist subcontractor, Steconefer are tasked with replacing the existing track by laying new concrete sleepers and continuous-welded rails which will ensure a modern and durable infrastructure.
Track laying is now under way and the expectation is that the track work will be completed by the end of 2024.
This is a key milestone for the project and Freight Trains are expected to be once again operating on this route in early 2026, benefiting the environment, the economy and businesses availing of the service.
Although operating initially as a rail freight line, the possibility of reintroducing passenger services on the line in the future remains open, depending on funding and further infrastructure upgrades.
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