Sinn Féin seek clarity on Tipperary's rail lines

Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne and local Sinn Féin area representative Damian O Donoghue have raised the ongoing closure of the Limerick to Ballybrophy and Waterford to Limerick rail lines with Irish Rail and the Minister for Transport. 

Deputy Browne said: “I raised this issue with both the Minister for Transport and Irish Rail, as there has been no indication on when Irish Rail intends on reopening these lines. Currently, no other rail lines in the country are closed aside from these two. It was hoped that an expected reopening date would be announced as part of the roadmap for lifting restrictions; however this was not the case so I contacted the minister and Irish Rail directly. 

“It is unacceptable that in their reply to the question, no clarification was given to me. This is an issue that effects widespread areas of the county, as the two train lines serve several towns in north and south Tipperary. Both lines have already suffered from downgrading and a lack of investment despite the clear benefits rail links provide to Tipperary. 

“As well as clarifying when both lines are expected to reopen, the minister and Irish Rail need to make a commitment to ensuring the continuation of both lines into the future.” 

Damian O Donoghue, who is working with Martin Browne on this issue, spoke of the importance of the Limerick-Ballybrophy line for the people of North Tipperary. “This rail line is important for people here and there are a lot of reasons the line should be reopened as soon as possible. Not only that, but there should be serious consideration given to the upgrading of the service in the near future. 

“A faster train from Nenagh to Limerick would encourage a lot more people to use it," Mr O Donoghue said. "This would mean less cars on the road and a more green agenda locally. The service is also important for people with disabilities and they need to be remembered when these decisions are being made.”