Lack of gatekeepers mean no extra train services possible on Limerick commuter line

A LACK of available gatekeepers is one of the reasons Irish Rail has given as to why it is not able to increase the level of rail services through Castleconnell, Birdhill and Nenagh.

But the semi-state firm has left the door open for extra services in the future. – saying ultimately it wants to see trains every two hours.

As things stand, there are only three stopper trains along the line in the direction of Limerick each weekday – leaving Nenagh at 7:49am, 9:50am and 7:55pm. Two return from Colbert – at 6:45am and 5:10pm – a situation which sparked calls at Limerick’s metropolitan district to urge Irish Rail to increase services.

That will not happen in the short term, however, Irish Rail has written in response to Limerick City and County Council.

“Iarnród Éireann continues to keep its timetable under review on the Ballybrophy to Limerick (via Nenagh) line for opportunities for additional services subject to fleet, staff resources, and demand. However, at this time, there are no imminent short-term plans for increased service levels on this route,” the company wrote.

They explained this is due to the availability of gatekeepers and fleet.

However, they added: “In the medium to longer term it is proposed to increase service levels.”

It was Independent councillor Ursula Gavan who called for the local authority to engage with Irish Rail to improve services on the line, particularly around peak times.

Mayor John Moran, who has been pushing for an increase said: “Irish Rail is not getting funding. It’s a political choice which is being made. In the last Government, there was a different percentage of spend between public transport on roads. This Government has changed that.”

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