All-Island Strategic Rail Review decision needs to be overturned

The Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Kevin Callan, has said that the All-Island Strategic Rail Review to assess transport needs up to 2050 has omitted two key pieces of public transport infrastructure and that it must be changed to include a new train station in Drogheda North and the reopening of the Dunleer station. 

“We are not only already a heavily populated county, but Drogheda is roaring northward with the first phase of the Northern Cross Route having been completed by the Council and developers” Callan pointed out.

“These thousands of additional residents need access to a station without severe traffic congestion to cross Drogheda via the existing road network.

“The mid Louth area and its commuters are also seriously underserved with a perfectly good station located at Dunleer which has been closed for years.

“If someone from Ardee wants to get a train to Dublin they need to travel 28kms to Drogheda each way and possibly pay the motorway toll to get to the station on time.

“We should be supporting those who want to use public transport, who are trying to help lower emissions and protect the environment.

“As Chairperson of Louth County Council I will be discussing this matter with all groupings to see can we coordinate to push for the inclusion of these key pieces of infrastructure.

“Just because a decision has been made by officials in government departments does not mean that it cannot be overturned and in this case it needs to be overturned.”