Claremorris

[joey]

Claremorris to Athenry re-open?

[Mark Gleeson]

Well, it never closed...

Not connected at Athenry anyway

[Colm Moore]

I understand there is a suggestion that there may be a freight flow from Claremorris. However, as that would likely be going to a port on the east or south coast, there is not need to spend money on Claremorris-Athenry.

In addition, there is the matter of the structural condition of the railway: http://www.tuamherald.ie/news/roundu...-rail-at-risk/

[Inniskeen]

Well the only reason you might want to go via Athenry is that it would be the shortest route to Waterford and apart from the section from Ennis to Limerick no part of the route is operating anywhere near to capacity.

Interestingly there is also activity between Limeick and Foynes with a reasonable prospect of that line being returned to service.

[Mark Gleeson]

The difference is marginal at best. Why reopen a line at great expense when you can use the existing line which has 24 hour availability 363 days a year. Its cheaper and more efficient to do so.

[Inniskeen]

There are various positives that would roll out of re-opening Athenry to Claremorris including reduced mileage for several freight flows, more efficient use of crews and rolling stock, capacity for further expansion, strenthening of the economics of the existing WRC and the establishment of Tuam to Galway passenger services.

While I appreciate some would dismiss such benefits and oppose railway development much beyond the GDA there is a degree of logic to the proposal nevertheless.

[Jamie2k9]

This "freight hub" is from West on Track....there is no substance to the idea as who would want to send freight to Claremorris when there is Ballina for the NW already.

There are various positives that would roll out of re-opening Athenry to Claremorris including reduced mileage for several freight flows, more efficient use of crews and rolling stock, capacity for further expansion, strenthening of the economics of the existing WRC and the establishment of Tuam to Galway passenger services.

While I appreciate some would dismiss such benefits and oppose railway development much beyond the GDA there is a degree of logic to the proposal nevertheless

Shortest route but most costly with the amount of staffing required to operate LC between Limerick-Waterford. As for economics you are just transferring them from Waterford to WRC so nobody really benefits besides the political circle who can boast about what a good decision it was to reopen the WRC.

You are aware Tuam is getting a motorway in 2 years with speeds of 70mph, something the train line or rolling stock on such a route will never have.

I don't think people oppose development outside Dublin but most would prefer to see full investment in current IC lines to increase speeds to acceptable levels. The estimated cost of 30 million to reopen a line would be put to better use dealing with Portarlington and Athlone section of line to benefit passengers and freight. Really poor journey times because of single line.

[joey]

Originally Posted by Jamie2k9

You are aware Tuam is getting a motorway in 2 years with speeds of 70mph, something the train line or rolling stock on such a route will never have.

Not sure road freight can travel at 70mph

[Colm Moore]

Goods vehicles are limited to 80km/h on roads. Certain goods vehicles are allowed 90km/h on motorways.

However, speed limits aren't a particularly strong determinant of journey time - congestion, train schedules, etc. are much more important.

I can't see many rail freight flows of time-sensitive goods.

[dowlingm]

201s are banned (except emergencies) east of Limerick Junction so that complicates power planning but may also limit axle weights on the wagons, presumably related to Cahir bridge? A 201-071 swap in Limerick yard during the necessary reversal there might solve the power limit.

Realistically this only starts looking economical if increasing track capacity Athlone-Portarlington-Kildare is deemed both necessary and expensive (Tullamore), and the option to push North Wall trains via a reopened Athlone-Mullingar line isn't higher up the cost benefit list (or precluded by a trail which I understand is on the cards)

[Inniskeen]

The bicycle trail between Mullingar and Athlone is well advanced allhough the track remains largely in situ.

The line between Limerick Junction and Waterford is open from around 0700 to 2100 Mondays to Saturdays and no extra staff costs arise routing traffic over it.

201s remain restricted on the route due to the somewhat fragile bridge at Dunkitt, just outside Waterford.

Maximum speed on the Athenry/Ennis section of the WRC is 80 mph, which is achieved by ICRs.