THE project that, when completed, will see the Limerick Check to Foynes branch restored to its status as a revenue earning freight line by 2025, has started. The complete relay of the 42km single track mothballed line and installation/refurbishment of associated infrastructure will cost around €104 million, a significant increase over the original estimate (see October issue).
The commencement of the project, which is funded by the Department of Transport, was celebrated at Foynes on November 14 by the chief executives of Irish Rail and the Shannon Foynes Port Company, Jim Meade and Pat Keating, respectively.
While a significant amount of new track material had been stacked on the quayside and provided a backdrop for the bosses’ photocall, work had already begun during October, with contractors removing vegetation and debris from the track and lineside before the project had been announced. As reported previously, the reinstatement of the line has been endorsed by the Government and will satisfy regional, national and EU objectives in respect of climate change and emissions reduction.
The Foynes Port Company plans to expand
