‘People want to use the train’

Cllr Louise Morgan Walsh has urged the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann to seize the opportunity presented by the 2026 Timetable Consultation to deliver meaningful improvements on the Ballybrophy–Nenagh–Limerick rail line, warning that local communities risk being left behind despite clear evidence of growing demand.

The call comes after Iarnród Éireann and the National Transport Authority published their draft Timetable Consultation 2026 proposals. While changes are proposed on a number of routes across the country, the consultation states that no timetable changes are currently proposed for the Limerick to Ballybrophy line via Nenagh.

Submitting a detailed response on behalf of the North Tipperary Community Rail Partnership, Cllr Morgan Walsh said communities along the line have made it clear that improved services would result in a dramatic increase in rail use.

“The consultation provides an important opportunity to shape the future of rail services. While it's disappointing that no changes are currently proposed for the Nenagh line, this is precisely why it is so important that local voices are heard.”

The submission is supported by findings from a comprehensive rail survey which found that 95% of respondents identified unsuitable train frequency and timings as the main barrier to using the service more often, while respondents indicated they would increase their annual rail journeys from approximately 13,000 to 43,000 trips if the timetable better met their needs.

According to the partnership, this demonstrates significant untapped demand across North Tipperary and East Limerick for commuting, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure travel.

Among the key recommendations submitted to the consultation are:

An earlier morning service from Limerick allowing connection to Dublin before 9am.

An earlier Limerick-bound service from Roscrea or Cloughjordan for commuters and students.

Additional mid-morning and afternoon services in both directions.

A later evening departure from Limerick for workers finishing after 5pm.

Late-night weekend services.

Better integration between bus and rail services.

Improved station parking, bicycle facilities and service reliability.

Cllr Morgan Walsh said the survey findings challenge any perception that there is insufficient demand for the route.

“The evidence shows that people want to use the train. The issue is not demand. The issue is that the timetable does not currently reflect how people live, work and study. By providing services at the right times, rail usage could more than triple.”

The submission also highlights the importance of coordinated public transport, with respondents repeatedly identifying poor connections between buses and train services as a major barrier.

The North Tipperary Community Rail Partnership is calling on residents, commuters, businesses and community groups to support improved rail services by engaging with future timetable consultations and continuing to make the case for investment in the line.

“At a time when Government policy is focused on reducing car dependency, supporting regional development and achieving climate targets, the Ballybrophy–Nenagh–Limerick line represents a major opportunity. Our communities deserve a rail service that works for them, and the evidence shows the benefits would be substantial.”