*Jim Meade.
COORACLARE native Jim Meade, the Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann will address an Ennis Chamber breakfast briefing this week.
On Friday morning, the Irish Rail CEO will give a presentation on improved rail connectivity at the Temple Gate Hotel following the recently launched ‘All-Island Strategic Rail Review Report’.
Attendees are also expected to receive an update on plans for improved rail connectivity initiatives in Co Clare. These include planned improvements to the Galway to Limerick via Sixmilebridge and Ennis commuter line, the proposed reopening of Crusheen rail station, seasonal flooding at Ballycar and the development of spur link to Shannon Airport.
Jointly commissioned by the Department of Transport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, the ‘All-Island Strategic Rail Review Report’ sets out a strategic vision for the development of the rail system across the island of Ireland over the coming decades. The report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions.
Amongst the report’s recommendations for rail on the island are additional capacity, faster services, higher frequency, decarbonisation, greater reach, wider access and more passengers with the goal of almost tripling the number of people using the rail system annually from circa 65 million to over 180 million by 2050.
