Kelly seeks investment in local rail line
The Government has been accused by Labour Party TD Alan Kelly of failing to provide sufficient funding to improve the Limerick-Nenagh-Ballybrophy rail line.
Deputy Kelly asked in the Dáil if the Minister for Transport would instruct Irish Rail to expedite a phased project of gate keeper crossing automation on the Nenagh branch line.
The Labour TD said automation of the crossings would result in trains being able to travel faster on the line.
The minister referred Deputy Kelly’s request to Irish Rail, which has now said they have no funding to carry out such works.
Responding to the news, Deputy Kelly said he had been fighting for the upgrade of the Nenagh-Ballybrophy rail line all his political career.
He said that fight had ensured the line remained open in tough economic times.
“I have been fighting for its progress ever since, with track upgrades and other works,” he said.
He said further improvements to the line were now urgently required because an increasing number of people were commuting from North Tipperary to Dublin and back for work.
He said more trains were badly needed and a better timetable introduced and marketing of the line.
“However, the key issue is that there are so many crossings on the line and it is impossible for the trains to go at higher speeds to help deliver more services,” he said.
NOT A PRIORITY
Deputy Kelly added: “The Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael/Independent government has decided that this rural line isn’t a priority for them and that they will not provide funding to deal with these crossings. Irish Rail in their recent response to me have made this quite clear.
“I am now calling on the Government and their representatives in North Tipperary and the Mid West to ensure this is changed and that funding is provided in the forthcoming National Development Plan to deal with these crossings and to improve the service offering, create a better timetable and ensure local people can commute to Dublin and Limerick as is so badly needed.”
Jim Meade, the Chief Executive of Irish Rail, informed Deputy Kelly that opportunities for automation and elimination of level crossings is something that is always sought and assessed on an ongoing basis in terms of safety and risk improvements, technical feasibility and cost.
However, Mr Meade added: “The automation of crossings on the Nenagh Branch line is something that would require a level of funding over and above the day-to-day maintenance and renewal funding provided currently.”