Deputy Ged Nash has criticised the All-Island Strategic Rail Review for its failure to commit to a new station on Drogheda’s North side.
“This review sets out the development of the rail network out to 2050. The reality is, if a project isn’t in this plan, as far as Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens are concerned it won’t be done” he said.
“We can conclude that the lukewarm reference to a new station in North Drogheda means this government is happy for Ireland’s fastest growing city not to have a second station in an area of enormous growth, and neither will it make provision for the reopening of the station in Dunleer.
“While I welcome the recommendations within the All-Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR) relating to electrification of the Drogheda route, I am bitterly disappointing that no firm commitment has been provided regarding a new train station for North Drogheda.”
“This is vitally important issue for the future growth of Drogheda and for our all-island connectivity. Our small city has the capacity to be a pivotal connector from north to south, acting as a critical link between Belfast, Dublin and the South-West rail-corridor.
“A new station – as referenced within the AISRR – has the potential to not only serve local commuters but also position Drogheda as a strategic counterweight to Dublin and Belfast, rebalancing economic activity, jobs and investment more evenly across the country.
“A North Drogheda station would be well located to bring commuters from Dublin and Dundalk to the new IDA facilities planned for the Mell area.
“This is an issue I previously raised with Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority and I was assured that three criteria must be met to see a new train station approved.
“First, Irish Rail stated that the proposal must have the support of the Department of Transport. The fact the Department’s own review (AISRR) has failed to recognise the value of a new North Drogheda station is a missed opportunity.
“Secondly, Irish Rail said the proposal must have a ‘robust’ business case. The northside of Drogheda is to expand its population by some 20,000 over the next few years. A town of that size anywhere else in the country would need a rail link to be sustainable and north Drogheda is no different.
“Thirdly, Irish Rail cited that the project would have to undergo a ‘full demand assessment’. As the recent review recognised, the demand is clearly there, while the fact that Drogheda is Ireland’s biggest and fastest growing town should speak for itself.
“I have no doubt that all these conditions could be met – yet it seems Drogheda is being left-behind again by this current Government.
“This is simply not good enough. I am calling on the Minister for Transport and Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil and the relevant authorities to commit to this now and do some future- proofing for Drogheda.”
“We need to learn from the mistakes of the past. We cannot and should not have to retrofit crucial economic and social infrastructure like transport links, parks, school and playing pitches into North Drogheda only after thousands of homes are built.
