Supporting Tourism in Limerick and Clare

 

 

Transport 21 – Supporting Tourism in Limerick and Clare

· More than 2 million tourists visited Shannon region in 2007, spending €517 million
· Numerous top attractions are in mid-west – investment in transport links supports tourism industry in the region

Wednesday, August 6th

Transport 21, the largest investment package ever in Ireland’s transport infrastructure, is making a significant contribution to the ongoing development of Ireland’s tourism industry. The plan – which is investing €34 billion in transport infrastructure over the period 2006 to 2015 – is transforming transport links, giving visitors to Ireland greater options when it comes to travelling between our cities and accessing the rural countryside.

Commenting today (Wednesday), Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey TD, said:

“The value of tourism to Limerick and Clare is very considerable. In 2007, more than 2 million tourists visited the Shannon region, spending more than €517 million. In addition, several of Ireland’s top attractions are based in the region. In 2006, more than 911,000 tourists visited the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. More than 330,000 visited Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, with 200,000 visiting Ailwee Caves.

“The Transport 21 package of investment is supporting the tourism industry by making it easier, safer and more pleasant to travel around Ireland. The new N7 Dublin/Limerick road is on time and on budget for completion in 2010. Already, 87 kilometres of this new road are open to traffic, with the remaining 108 kilometres under construction.

“The 7 kilometre N21 road development, from Castleisland to Abbeyfeale, is open to traffic. The N7 Limerick Tunnel is also currently under construction. This forms part of the Atlantic Corridor, which has already seen the 14 kilometre N18 Ennis bypass open to traffic. A further 22 kilometres of road development – on the N18 from Gort (Co Galway) to Crusheen (Co Clare) – is at tender stage. These new road developments are transforming how people access Limerick City, and travel throughout counties Limerick and Clare.

“Rail services in the region are also benefitting very significantly from Transport 21 investment. Work is now underway on phase one of the development of the Western Rail Corridor, from Ennis, County Clare, to Athenry, Co Galway. Trackwork began in October 2007, and the first train services on the line are scheduled to commence in 2009 upon completion of the €106.5 million redevelopment of the Ennis/Athenry line.

“In addition, new Intercity Railcars entered service on the Dublin/Limerick line this year. For customers, the experience of travelling in these new Intercity Railcars is second to none. Fully air-conditioned carriages, subtle lighting, and spacious, comfortable seating are fitted throughout the new fleet. Dedicated wheelchair spaces are provided, and wheelchair accessible toilets are also in place. The new Intercity Railcars are making travelling to Ireland’s mid-west region by rail more comfortable than ever before.

“Transport 21 is also funding new, state-of-the-art, vehicles for Bus Éireann, benefitting residents, commuters and tourists alike. A total of 5.2 million customers travel with Bus Éireann on Limerick City and Expressway services annually, with Bus Éireann operating a fleet of 180 buses in the Limerick area.

“Tourism makes a major contribution to Ireland’s economy. I believe that, by substantially improving our road, rail, bus and regional airport links, Transport 21 will have a positive impact on our tourism industry by making it easier, safer and more pleasant to travel around Ireland. The Transport 21 package of investment is already delivering tangible benefits to the transport infrastructure in Limerick and Clare, and many more improvements are on the way.”

Ends.

Note to editors:

The latest figures released by the Central Statistics Office show that the number of visitors to Ireland in the first quarter of the year reached 1,542,000. This is an increase of 4% when compared with the first quarter of 2007. These visitors made a huge contribution to the economy, with spending valued at €824 million for the January, February and March 2008 period. Last year, expenditure by visitors to Ireland for 2007 was estimated to be €4.9 billion .

Since it was launched two years ago, Transport 21 has invested €4.7 billion in transport networks across Ireland. Almost €3 billion is being spent by Transport 21 in 2008, and over the lifetime of the programme – which runs to 2015 – €34 billion will be invested.

Transport 21 investment will significantly improve links between the major urban centres, and improve links to all regions, which will be of significant benefit to tourists. 406 kilometres of the Major Inter-Urban routes (MIU) linking Dublin to Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford is under construction, and is on time and on budget for 2010 completion. 332 kilometres of the MIU routes are already open to traffic.

Transport 21 is also investing heavily in public transport improvements. Visitors to Ireland who chose to travel by bus or train will benefit from more comfortable and more frequent services. Transport 21 has invested in Intercity Railcars on the Sligo, Galway, Limerick and Westport lines, and before the end of 2008 they will also be introduced on the Waterford, Kerry, Rosslare, Athlone, Carlow and Portlaoise lines.

New buses for Bus Éireann are enhancing existing services and allowing for the introduction of new routes. Transport 21 funding has allowed Bus Éireann to order 239 new vehicles, offering tourists who chose to travel across Ireland by bus greater comfort and safety.


Ends