Limerick IFA puts in train talks with Iarnród Éireann
A DELEGATION from Limerick IFA, led by county chairman Sean Lavery, met with senior executives from Irish Rail to discuss farmer concerns and work on the reopening of the Limerick to Foynes rail line.
The 42km stretch of railway between Limerick and Foynes was originally opened in 1858 but has been closed since 2001. Irish Rail is now implementing a plan to reopen the rail line for freight services in 2025 / 2026.
Mr Lavery said there are 156 farmers / landowners affected by the line and work is ongoing by contractors Sisk in clearing vegetation and removal of the old track.
Some 20km of the 42km line is already cleared and the plan is to have the project completed by the end of 2025, according to Irish Rail.
Mr Lavery said the major areas of concern for farmers are hedge removal, fencing, culverts, drainage and level crossings.
“Hedge removal and fencing are by agreement with the individual farmers and Irish Rail said they have met most of the farmers on the line and discussed their needs,” said Mr Lavery.
A total of 22kms of concrete post type fencing has already been erected, along with some timber post fencing, which is suitable for horses.
Irish Rail has pointed out that there are 87 structures across the line including roads, bridges, overpasses, underpasses and culverts.
There are 57 level crossings.
The IFA delegation pointed out that the reopening of level crossings on the rail line is a major development for farmers and their farm operations, after more than 20 years without traffic on the line.
“This could impact very significantly on many of the farmers on the line, depending on their farming enterprise, structure and other particular circumstances. Irish Rail will have to engage very closely with the impacted farmers and it was agreed with
Irish Rail that the farmers will need independent agricultural consultancy / property and legal advice available to them, at no cost to the farmer,” said Mr Lavery.
The Limerick IFA chairperson said the issues and options around level crossings, underpasses, overpasses and associated items are very important for farmers and their businesses.
He said farmers must have proper professional advice available to them.
The IFA delegation also included Barry Murphy, Limerick IFA environment chairman; Philip Ruttle, Limerick IFA vice chair and
Kevin Kinsella, agricultural consultant to the IFA.
Irish Rail was contacted for comment. There was no response at the time of going to press.