During a recent Dáil debate on transport Drogheda Sinn Féin TD Joanna Byrne raised the need for a Train Station on the north side of town – something that was promised years ago in the Northern Environs Plan.

Deputy Byrne said that the Government’s policies have turned Drogheda into 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 appeared 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, and no obstacle is insurmountable if the Government really wants to deliver it. I asked that the Minister of State take that on board in my contribution.

I raised this with the Minister for Transport several months ago, and now with the Minister for State. This is something I will pursue throughout my term.

“The all-island strategic rail review includes the electrification of the line to Drogheda from Dublin, new lines from Clongriffin in Dublin to Drogheda and an extension of the DART to Drogheda” Deputy Byrne said.

“While I remain sceptical of a positive impact on commute times from Drogheda to Dublin when the DART comes to Drogheda, I will wait in hope that it happens.