Calls for new Louth train station to ease commuter congestion

Louth Sinn Féin TD Joanna Byrne has raised the need for the Drogheda North Train Station, in the Dail and at the Public Accounts Committee.

Speaking in the Dáil Deputy Byrne said: “Last week I had two opportunities to push the need once again for the long-mooted and badly needed train station on the north side of the town, directly with the Tánaiste on the floor of the house and with the Department of Transport at the Public Accounts Committee

“Government policies have made Drogheda a commuter town and commuters need a new train station on the north side of the town. Almost 20 years ago a proposed train station was included in the Drogheda northern environs plan. The plan foresaw a huge rise in the population of Drogheda and the need for a train station on the north side.

“The proposed site of the train station was in housing brochures. Commuters eagerly bought houses that were highly valued because they would be so close to the train station, but this changed when Iarnród Éireann said it had no plans to proceed.

“The north side of Drogheda is getting an extra 20,000 people along the port access-northern cross route over the next five years. The centre of town is choked with traffic around the current train station on the south side.

“A new IDA business park is being developed on the north side. Drogheda United is developing a new stadium along the port access-northern cross route. All of this could be served by a north-side train station.

“The land at Aston Village that was originally earmarked is still owned by Iarnród Éireann and this is where the train station should go. For Drogheda to reach its full potential, the long-awaited north-side train station is crucial.

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“The Department of Transport representatives at the PAC spoke of everything except the Drogheda North Train Station. It is not on their radar for at least another five years because they are working on current government priorities. The Tánaiste could not give a detailed response in any way shape or form.

“The reality is the political will to deliver this simply isn't there within this current Government. Twenty years in the making, no business case, no feasibility study, no drive forward.

For Drogheda to unlock its full potential, there's an onus on political reps of all persuasions to push to make this a reality. No obstacle is insurmountable if government wants to deliver it.”