Telegrammed by our man at Buggleskelly
Rail chiefs in the Emerald Isle have come up with a master plan to revive the flagging fortunes of their lightly used lines, including the famed Limerick Junction to Waterford route.
Iarnród Éireann seem determined to copy the worst ideas from Britain's Department for Transport and have proposed acquiring a hybrid railbus from Japan, or even a Parry People Mover, to cut the operating costs of the 54 mile line.
Wags are already scouring the land for an elastic band of suitable size.
According to Irish Rail's Spin O'Meister, Barry Kenny, the vehicle is one of a number of cost-cutting options on the route which sees only 54,000 passengers a year.
Seasoned observers of the Irish rail scene have better ideas.
Perhaps IE might actually promote the route or even provide a timetable that gives useful connections out of Limerick Junction. A Sunday service might also help.
To be fair Kenny appears to be doing his bit.
In May highly respected Irish Times hack Brian O'Connell travelled the line. Sadly he had to suffer a 61 minute wait for a connection at Limerick Junction.
With the best will in the world this sort of journey won't make for a compelling travel piece.
Of course this may be exactly what Irish Rail chiefs want.
Any increase in passenger numbers would scupper plans to close the line.
Which is why the case for a hybrid railcar appears so compelling.
With the option to run the railcar in road mode the line between Limerick Junction and Waterford could then be closed for 'essential maintenance' - permanently!
Grimsby and Back
2 years ago
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