A Kerry county councillor has suggested moving Farranfore train station closer to the airport, to create a transport hub.
Independent councillor Jackie Healy-Rae brought the idea to the recent meeting of Kerry County Council.
He said a pedestrian link to the airport from an adjacent train station would best serve locals and tourists.
Cllr Healy-Rae’s motion asked that the council write to Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority, requesting that a comprehensive masterplan be developed for a new integrated transport hub in Farranfore.
He said this should examine the relocation of Farranfore train station further along the existing line towards Kerry Airport, with a view to providing a direct pedestrian link to the terminal and the development of an adjoining bus interchange.
He said the aim is to create a pilot project demonstrating how rail, air, and road transport can be fully integrated in a rural regional setting.
Speaking at the meeting, the Independent councillor said per capita, Farranfore probably has the best transport links in the world, and this is a unique opportunity for a pilot project like this.
He said everyone has seen passengers lugging their bags down the road from the airport to the train station, and having a pedestrian link direct to the terminal from an adjacent train station would be much easier for visitors and residents.
Cllr Healy-Rae said the bus stops in the middle of a national primary road, but this could also be moved to the new transport hub.
His motion was seconded by Fianna Fáil councillor Tommy Cahill, who said in the meantime, perhaps a shuttle bus could run between the airport and train station.
