RAIL SERVICES between Ennis and Limerick resumed temporarily yesterday after the line had to be closed for seven weeks at Ballycar near Newmarket-on-Fergus after being submerged in floodwaters.
Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that the line will close again this weekend from 6pm on Saturday to 10am on Sunday to allow for planned works at Ennis but added that there would be a full resumption of train services from next Monday.
The company was forced to close the line on February 6th last after rising floodwaters covered a section of track where at times the water level rose to over a foot in depth.
Work began after the waters subsided in recent weeks, as workers removed debris and replaced stones which had been washed away. A full investigation of the track was also carried out over several days.
Services resumed early yesterday with the first train from Limerick to Ennis crossing the repaired section of track at 7.52am. Iarnród Éireann spokesman Barry Kenny said: "As is typical in the aftermath of such a prolonged period of flooding, a test train was sent out to travel the line as a final check before services resumed proper at 9.20am."
Mr Kenny confirmed a speed restriction had now been put in place at Ballycar while the company continues to monitor the situation. About 600 commuters use the nine daily services.
The company has already confirmed the service suffered because of the flooding problems. Buses were brought in to replace the train service but passenger numbers dropped by about 33 per cent, with many opting to make alternative arrangements to get to and from Limerick.
It has also been estimated that the cost of hiring buses to replace the train service during the line closure has cost Iarnród Éireann as much as €300,000.
The company said: "Flood relief measures are being looked at by the Office of Public Works and will involve major works in the area. We have raised the line twice since the last time it flooded in 1995, but will continue to support any preventative measures which might be required to ensure the future of the track."
Green councillor Brian Meaney welcomed the reopening of the line but said: "This stretch of line is another example of the short sightedness of Irish Rail management who some years ago had tendered for and were close to awarding a contract to raise the line to a point where it would not be affected by flooding.
Mr Meaney added: "Measures must be put in place by the Government, the county council and Irish Rail to ensure the future viability of this essential service as it expands."