West=On=Track -News

Re-opened rail link to spark value packages for shoppers

Galway City Tribune Sept 4th 2009 

THE re-opening of a rail link between Galway and Limerick later this year may signal good news for consumers, as traders in the two cities prepare to implement 'value deals' and compete against one another to entice shoppers.

Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that services on the direct rail-link between Limerick and Galway, will be opened in early December and the business communities in both cities are gearing up to lure customers to their city to cash in on the lucrative shopping bonanza in the run-up to Christmas.

CEO of Galway Chamber, Michael Coyle, said the opening of the first link in the Western Rail Corridor is a positive development and the enhanced access poses opportunities and threats to business in Galway.

Mr Coyle said he is confident the City's retailers and the hospitality sector are competitive, offer value for money and can attract visitors from Limerick, Ennis and South Galway to choose Galway City over Limerick.

"We are not fearful; we feel the value Galway has to offer in shops, restaurants, hotels, pubs, leisure and so on is as good here as anywhere in the country. The rail link opens up the Limerick shopping market to people in Galway, although that competition already exists by road.

"If Limerick people perceive shopping to be better in Galway, and feel it's only a short train journey away, they will travel, and vice versa".