Limerick soccer club will not sign deal for rail station until controversial road approved

MOYROSS United chairman Philip Power says the soccer club will not advance agreements for the estate’s new rail station until University Way is approved.

He says it’s for the “greater good” of Moyross.

Club members had agreed to provide a part of their land which hosts an astroturf pitch to Irish Rail on an 18-month lease.

This would allow building staff access to build the platforms.

However, Mr Power has said any lease deal will go unsigned until the new University Way project is approved. This is a new 400m road which will connect the Woodview Estate to Moyross, but has attracted fierce opposition.

READ MORE: Hundreds sign petition in opposition to road linking Limerick estates

It’s designed to provide a quick link between Moyross, and the rest of the northside.

Despite the two estates lying side-by-side, a 35-minute walk is required to travel between the two.

The club chairman says the issue of Moyross being cut off will still exist if the rail station arrives, but University Way does not.

“There isn’t much point in having a train station, a stone’s throw from LIT (now Technological University of the Shannon), Thomond Park and the Gaelic Grounds if people get off and need to walk 3.5km around,” he said.

An Irish Rail spokesperson said they are “disappointed” by the club’s stance. “The current construction strategy and budget for the station includes the use of the Moyross United lands,” the firm added.