Reopening of Dunleer train station explored

Another attempt is to be made to have Dunleer train station reopened.

Senator Erin McGreehan and Councillor John Sheridan have given their backing to the latest effort, recently attending a meeting with Irish Rail officials.

Also present at the meeting were stakeholders, a number of whom have agitated for a reopening over the years.

Closed in 1984 having been in service for 135 years, Dunleer station was a much-used boarding point for people in the mid-Louth area.

Its structure remains largely intact, with the old station masters’s house having been utilised as a library in recent times.

The library, however, is believed to be re-housed in the former Bank of Ireland building in the town’s Main Street.

The two local Fianna Fail representatives have, since the meeting, said that there wouldn’t have to be a huge outlay to have it reopened.

Not only would it benefit the local community and businesses, it could ease the use of traffic on the motorway, giving those who regularly use the M50 travelling to Dublin and Belfast a viable alternative.

Senator McGreehan and Cllr Sheridan spoke with Irish Rail’s CEO, Jim Meade, and Manager Central Traffic Control, Darran Bowe.

They emphasised how the reopening would help promote tourism and business growth in the area.

This was a view expressed by many others present at the meeting.

The Irish Rail officials said that there’s to be significant investments in the rail services, taking in the All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review.

Dunleer station is among the considerations, as well as the reopening of the line to Navan.

“Nothing is off the table”, said Mr Meade.

Speaking since the meeting Senator McGreehan said:

“We were thrilled to have had such a positive meeting with the Irish Rail officials. It’s important to have this facility, which would make a huge difference for the community that surrounds it.

“It could play a big part in easing traffic congestion in Dundalk and Drogheda.”

Cllr Sheridan said:

“We await the publication of the All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review, which is being delayed due to there being no Northern Ireland Executive at present.

“Mr Meade said the review would determine the next steps for reopening stations.

“He also confirmed he was personally aware of the campaign to reopen Dunleer.”

Emphasising its need, Cllr Sheridan said that according to the County Development Plan, it is projected the population of Dunleer is to increase by 2027.

“Also, there is a present population of 29,209 within 10k of the town, which makes the reopening compelling.”