Timetable for important Limerick / Ballybrophy rail line is 'completely inadequate'
The North Tipperary Community Rail Partnership estimate a threefold increase in train trips if a better timetable is put in place
THE timetable for the important Limerick / Ballybrophy rail line has been called “completely inadequate” and falling far short of its potential.
The Limerick–Ballybrophy rail line (via Nenagh, Cloughjordan and Roscrea) suffers from a severely limited and poorly timed schedule that fails to meet the needs of daily commuters.
For example, the earliest a passenger from Nenagh can arrive in Dublin by train is nearly 10am, while travellers from Cloughjordan or Roscrea cannot reach Limerick until 10:08am, making work commuting impossible.
Afternoon and evening return trains (such as departing Dublin at 3:00 PM or taking a convoluted route via Limerick Junction) also do not align with standard 9-to-5 working hours
Critics point out that the line offers only limited daily services (typically one or two trips depending on the direction). They also point out that strict speed restrictions near Limerick and roundabout routing mean the trip takes longer than driving.
The North Tipperary Community Rail Partnership estimate that annual trips could triple from 13,000 to 43,000 if the timetable offered early-morning services into Dublin before 9am and later evening departures from Limerick.
Deputies Ryan O'Meara and Alan Kelly have repeatedly raised the issue in the Dáil, describing the schedule as unworkable for modern regional life and demanding urgent NTA and Irish Rail investment.