Glider bus system proposed as alternative to rail link in Shannon - Clare Echo

*Photo: WakefulNI / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 || Inset: Cllr Michael Begley COUNCILLORS have backed a proposal to explore a Glider bus transport system for the Clare part of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area as an alternative to a rail link. The motion was brought by Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Begley (IND) at the September meeting … Glider bus system proposed as alternative to rail link in Shannon Read More »

*Photo: WakefulNI / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 || Inset: Cllr Michael Begley

COUNCILLORS have backed a proposal to explore a Glider bus transport system for the Clare part of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area as an alternative to a rail link.

The motion was brought by Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Begley (IND) at the September meeting of the Shannon Municipal District.

Cllr Begley called for a feasibility study into the provision of a Glider bus system, particularly to improve connectivity to Shannon Airport and the wider Shannon MD area.

He also called for an executive member of Translink, which operates the Belfast Glider system, to be invited to address an October meeting of Clare County Council.

In a written response, Senior Engineer for Transportation, Mobility, Health and Safety Cyril Feeney said the National Transport Authority (NTA) is the statutory body responsible for public transport planning, development and procurement in Ireland.

He said consideration of a Glider or Bus Rapid Transit-style system would fall within the NTA’s remit and recommended that the authority be consulted before a decision is made on preparing a feasibility study.

“The Authority would assess such proposals against policy objectives, demand forecasts, cost effectiveness, sustainability and overall transport outcomes for the region,” he said.

Mr Feeney also said the request to invite a Translink executive to address a full council meeting would have to be considered as part of engagement with the NTA.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Begley said the motion was intended to “get the ball rolling”.

He said he had seen the Belfast Glider system himself and believed a similar system could be introduced in Shannon, with less infrastructure required than a rail link.

He said the system could involve upgrades to bus stops to facilitate a “hop on, hop off” service.

Cllr Begley said he did not expect to see a rail link to Shannon Airport in his lifetime, referring to the number of other rail projects competing for priority.

Cllr James Ryan (SF) supported the motion and said the Belfast system was effective and would not require the same level of investment as a rail line.

Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) also supported the proposal, saying he had been impressed by the Belfast system.

He said land in areas including Sixmilebridge and Cratloe was effectively being “sterilised” while people waited for a rail connection that he did not expect to happen in their lifetime.

Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) said a Glider-style system could provide a better product than the existing feeder bus services connecting Limerick and Shannon.

He questioned why such a system had not been tried, saying a rail link would require significant infrastructure changes.

Cllr John Crowe (FG) also supported the motion and said he had been impressed by how the Belfast system had been developed.

He said there was an opportunity to create better connectivity between Shannon, Limerick and the wider region, describing it as a “major start” for the area.

Cllr Begley said the NTA would “not be able to do anything if it’s not put on their desk for starters.”

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