Call for movement on third train station in Louth

Louth based Senator Alison Comyn has said plans for a North Drogheda Railway Station must now move from discussion to delivery, following what she described as a “really encouraging” meeting with senior Iarnród Éireann executives.

Senator Comyn met Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine and Head of Transformation Michael Power to discuss the proposed station, which would serve the rapidly growing communities on the north side of Drogheda.

“The message I took from that meeting was very clear. There is a strong commitment within Iarnród Éireann to delivering a North Drogheda Railway Station. That’s hugely significant, because we now need to turn that commitment into a clear pathway towards delivery,” Senator Comyn said.

“The housing is there, thousands more homes are planned and the supporting infrastructure is being put in place. The sheer volume of housing and new residents on the north side of the town would almost warrant a railway station of its own, never mind the existing pressure on transport infrastructure in an emerging city like ours.”

Senator Comyn said the next step must be to bring Government, the NTA, Iarnród Éireann, Louth County Council and other relevant stakeholders together to examine how the station can be funded.

“This is going to require creative thinking. We need to examine housing infrastructure funding, development levies and every other potential funding stream. The important thing now is getting everyone around the table and finding a way to make it happen.”

Senator Comyn has held discussions with Louth County Council and Government representatives on progressing the proposal.

The project comes against the backdrop of significant investment in infrastructure around Drogheda. In June, €23.9 million was announced for Phase 3 of the Port Access Northern Cross Route, including the railway underbridge.

A further €228 million is being invested in rail improvements on the Dublin-Belfast corridor through Shared Island funding, aimed at increasing capacity, improving journey times and enhancing services.

“Drogheda is Ireland’s largest town and continues to grow rapidly. We can’t build thousands of homes and then start thinking about the transport infrastructure people need after they’ve moved in,” Senator Comyn said.

“A North Drogheda station would give thousands of residents direct access to rail, reduce pressure on roads and parking and allow communities on the north side to benefit properly from the DART extension and future improvements to Enterprise services.

“We have an opportunity to plan this properly now, alongside the housing and infrastructure already being developed.

“Iarnród Éireann has demonstrated its commitment. Now we need the funding and collective will to match it. I’ll continue pushing to get all of the relevant stakeholders around the table and move North Drogheda Railway Station towards delivery.”