Jim Meade, Chief Executive Iarnród Eireann, Keynote Speaker at Ennis Chamber Business Breakfast
‘Improved Rail Connectivity’ – Presentation by Jim Meade, Chief Executive, Iarnród Éireann
When: Friday, September 20th, 2024
Where: Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis
Time: 07:45 – 09:00
On Friday September 20th, Ennis Chamber will welcome Co. Clare native Jim Meade, Chief Executive, Iarnród Eireann, to give a presentation on the recently launched ‘All-Island Strategic Rail Review Report’. Jim will also update attendees on improved rail connectivity initiatives, both current and planned, for County Clare.
Background
The recently launched ‘All-Island Strategic Rail Review Report’ was jointly commissioned by the Department of Transport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, to set out a strategic vision for the development of the rail system across the island of Ireland over the coming decades.
The Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions.
Amongst the Report’s recommendations for rail on the island:
- Additional capacity: upgrading much of the single-track rail network to double-track, with four-track in some areas
- Faster services: new 200kmh (125mph) intercity trains, with rail journey times between cities significantly reduced – in some cases, halved
- Higher frequency: train services at least hourly between cities and at least every two hours on regional/rural routes
- Decarbonisation: a net carbon zero rail system, primarily through the overhead electrification of intercity routes and new electric trains
- Greater reach: the rail network route length would increase from circa 2,300km to almost 3,000km with the reopening of former and new rail lines
- Wider access: facilitated by new routes in the North Midlands and Northwest
- More passengers: almost tripling the number of people using the rail system annually from circa 65 million to over 180 million by 2050.
Rail Initiatives Local to Co Clare
At the Ennis Chamber hosted breakfast, Jim Meade will also address key local rail infrastructure initiatives:
- Outline the success of the Galway to Limerick (via Ennis) commuter line/ plus planned improvements
- Plans to address seasonal flooding at Ballycar
- Proposed re-opening of Crusheen Rail Station
- Development of a spur link from Sixmilebridge or Cratloe to Shannon Airport
Ennis Chamber looks forward to welcoming Jim Meade and to hearing, what we anticipate will be a highly interesting and informative presentation.
Presentation to be followed by Q&A session.
Places are limited and must be booked. All enquiries: info@ennischamber.ie
