Faster rail journey times

Faster local train journey times are on the way locally with North Tipperary Community Rail Partnership welcoming this week's announcement by Irish Rail that it is set to improve travelling times along the Limerick/Ballybrophy rail line by as much as 15 minutes.

The company signalled its intention for faster journey times as it published a new draft timetable it plans to roll out on the local rail line in a little under three months time.

The Chairperson of the North Tipperary Rail Partnership Virginia O' Dowd, in urging members of the public to now make submissions on the draft timetable through the company's website, said greater will was needed so that the line could reach its full potential, highlighting many obstacles that still had to be overcome to ensure local train services met the needs of the communities they are supposed to serve.

“It's time the National Transport Authority (NTA) steps up and engages with local stakeholders to support Irish Rail in delivering more services on the line, which has been lacking and ensure there is a proper return on the €23m investment by Government by ensuring Irish Rail can deliver a proper service to serve the local communities along the route,” said Ms O' Dowd.

She said it was disappointing there are no proposals in the timetable consultation for the introduction of any additional services in 2023.

Not included in the draft was the partnership's proposal that a third return trip be introduced in the middle of the day. Nor had Irish Rail gone with its suggestion of an additional later evening departure from Limerick to Nenagh/Cloughjordan to facilitate students and other commuters.