"Not a hope of any parking" - calls for news Louth railway station

Louth Fianna Fail Senator Alison Comyn has called for urgent consideration of a second railway station in Drogheda to accommodate the town’s rapidly growing population and alleviate mounting commuter congestion. Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Comyn requested a debate on the matter with the Minister for Transport, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and urged that plans for a north-side station be revisited.

Drogheda currently relies on a single railway station located on its south side, which she said is struggling to meet demand. According to Senator Comyn: “If you are not there by 6.45 a.m., there is not a hope of any parking,” she stated, highlighting the increasing difficulties faced by daily commuters.

With approximately 7,500 new houses planned for the north side of Drogheda, pressure on public transport infrastructure is set to escalate further. The senator highlighted that the idea of a north-side train station was originally included in a local area plan but was later removed. She is now calling for its reinstatement and a fresh examination of its feasibility.

Senator Comyn suggested that the most suitable site for the proposed station would be along the planned third phase of the Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR), commonly known as the PANCR road. With the second phase of this road project now underway and nearing construction readiness, she argued that the third phase presents an ideal opportunity to incorporate a rail tunnel and station infrastructure.

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She further argued that a northern rail station there could act as an entire transport hub for that part of the county.

“I could envisage traffic coming from Slane, Castlebellingham, Dunleer and from all that part of the county to park and ride there and get the train across to the other side,” she said. We are told it is coming down the track – pardon the pun – that we will be in the Fairer Fares Scheme. That has been long delayed. It is about time Drogheda was seen as a proper commuter hub for the north east.”

In response, Leader of the Seanad, Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne said: “ Senator Comyn spoke about a second railway station for Drogheda. Again, she might make that case tomorrow during the Private Members' business motion put forward by her party.

“If not, she might consider raising it on the Commencement debate. Drogheda is one of Ireland's largest towns and many people have advocated for it to have city status. I am sure the Senator will continue that fight, as well as for its inclusion under the fairer fares scheme, in the House.”