Environment

Plans revealed for multi million euro redevelopment in Limerick

The Colbert train station and city centre will be revamped in the €16.8 project

Minister Alan Kelly (L) today announced a major €16.8 million redevelopment of Colbert bus and train station in Limerick. Pictured with the Minister at the announcement were Hugh Creegan of the National Transport Authority, Miriam Flynn and James Begley if Bus Éireann and Noreen Clohessy of Irish Rail. Photograph: Liam Burke/Press 22

Thu May 1 2014 - 17:00

Plans for a major €16.8m redevelopment of Colbert Station in Limerick have been unveiled.

The multi million euro project will modernise both Colbert Station and Limerick’s City centre and include proposals for a €3.5million pedestrian plaza.

Along with be construction of a new pedestrian plaza, there will be a public drop-off point that will serve as a civic area for the city replacing the current car park and disused fuel station on site.

The train station’s existing toilet block will be demolished to make way for a new bus station, with the current bus station being converted into the access area for a new 235-space car park.

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Subject to planning approval, the project will be completed on a phased basis with funding allocated over the next eight to ten years.

The plaza, which will form phase one of the development will be completed within three to four years.

The project will also see a significant refurbishment of the interior of the station with new finishes throughout and provision of a new ticketing office and retail units.

Announcing the news, Minister of State for Public Transport Alan Kelly said the project would give the station and the city a “huge boost”.

“The station is in need of investment and the creation of a pedestrian plaza at the front of the station facing the city-centre will provide a new civic space for the people of Limerick while dramatically improving the aesthetics of the area. I can see it becoming a real focal point of the city in time. The plaza is the centrepiece of the works and will open up the station to the entire city,” he said.

The plans were prepared by Irish Rail in collaboration with Bus Éireann, Limerick City and County Council, and the National Transport Authority.

Colbert station sees about 2,500 rail passengers a day serving four rail routes, while Bus Eireann services about one million passengers a year with 125 busses departing each day.

The proposals, which will be submitted for planning in the coming months, is consistent with the Limerick 2030 – Economic and Spatial Plan.

It is intended that the project will be funded through the Regional Cities programme of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

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