New early morning train from Limerick Junction to Cork makes the train a realistic commuter option

West Tipperary commuters to Cork were pleased this week with the news that there will be an early morning train from Limerick Junction to Cork.

The earliest currently is leaving Limerick Junction at 8.34am and doesn't arrive into Cork until 9.36am, however things will improve in a major way this December for those wishing to take the train to work.

The first train will go from Limerick Junction at the earlier time of 7.26am from December 10th.

It will arrive into Cork at 8.32am, just over an hour earlier than the (soon to be) previous early train. This new time opens up the train - for hundreds of Tipperary commuters - as a realistic mode of transport for the first time.

It will also stop in Thurles before arriving to the Junction en route to Cork.

From 10 December, Iarnród Éireann, working in conjunction with the NTA, is planning to introduce the new service which leaves Dublin Heuston at 6am as part of a new timetable.

Thee is still many issues country in relation to trains and buses joining up timetables to ensure commuters can get around easily, but this train is a step in the right direction for this route. 

Commuters will relish the new choice of transport to ensure they can make college or the workplace on time via 'the train'.

Locally councillors were delighted with the news. Cllr Declan Burgess said it will make a big difference for people: 

"I am thrilled that timetable changes from 10th December 2023 will see an earlier train leaving Dublin at 6am and arriving in Cork at 8:32am, the train will stop at Thurles & Limerick Junction; this would be a game changer for people in wishing to travel to Cork for employment, hospital appointments and attending college."

"This proposal is great news for rural Tipperary and expands the potential of our area. This is something I’ve been advocating for and will continue do so."