Iarnród Éireann to apply to eliminate/upgrade seven level crossings

Iarnród Éireann will shortly lodge an application for a Railway Order with An Bord Pleanála to eliminate/upgrade seven level crossings on the Dublin to Cork line. The seven level crossings, located between Limerick Junction and Mallow, are being closed/upgraded to provide a safer environ-ment for all users and a more efficient service for Iarnród Éireann customers. The seven level crossings are located within a 24km section of the line between the Cork and Limerick county boundary and are at Fantstown, Thomastown, Ballyhea, Newtown-shandrum, Ballycoskery, Shinanagh and Buttevant. The seven level crossings have high risk ratings on Iarnród Éireann’s Level Crossing Risk Model which calculates risk based on factors such as the number of users of a rail service.
Iarnród Éireann undertook a ten-week period of public consultation on the proposed closures from late 2019 to early 2020. As a result of this feedback, a number of changes were made to the scheme including the widening of the proposed road over the rail bridge at XC201, Thomastown, and the adoption of an alternative route option at XC211, Newtown.
A copy of the Draft Railway Order and documents accompanying the application may be inspected during normal office or opening hours (with the exception of Charleville Station where viewings will be made by appointment via the project email address cllc@irishrail.ie or by calling 01 7034451) from tomorrow 7th May, 2021 for the duration of six weeks until 18th June 2021 at Limerick City and County Council, Dooradoyle Road, Dooradoyle, Limerick, V94 WV78, and Iarnród Éireann, Charleville Railway Station. The documents may also be viewed at www.irishrail.ie/CorkLineLevelCrossings
Submissions must be lodged no later than 5.30pm on 11th June 2021 and must be addressed to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 and marked ‘Dublin to Cork Railway Line (Elimination and Upgrade) of Level Crossings between Limerick Junction and Mallow Order 2021’. An Bord Pleanála may hold an oral hearing into the application for a Railway Order, which will be open to members of the public.