Study to consider new rail routes

A major rail expansion study that will develop a 20-year blueprint for rail infrastructure is to be carried out on behalf of the Department of Public Enterprise.

The new study is designed to pinpoint routes that can be developed to expand the country’s rail network.

The report will dovetail with the Dublin Transportation Office’s Platform for Change.

It will examine the viability of beginning routes, including a service linking Blarney, Cork and Midleton; a link from Shannon Airport to the town and onto Ennis and Limerick; a commuter service between Athenry and Galway and a new route from Athlone to Mullingar.

Freight traffic, which has been cut by Iarnrod Eireann in recent months, is also to be examined. The report is expected to be ready for the Public Enterprise Minister's consideration in the summer.