Louth County Council is planning to have discussions with Irish Rail about two key local projects – a bridge over existing railway line along the new port access route and a second train station for Drogheda.
Confirmation of the proposed engagement was given by Mr David Jones, the Council’s Director of Major Capital Projects at the December meeting.
He said the discussions will pertain to the new county development plan and specifically improved rail services in the county, including a new station for North Drogheda.
He was responding to a motion from councillors Paddy McQuillan, Kevin Callan, and Declan Power suggesting they replicate the collaborative approach taken by Limerick City and County Council for the granting of planning approval for the new Moyross station.
The Council were also asked to look at the similar policy taken by Fingal County Council for getting a bridge erected in Donabate over the Dublin-Belfast railway line to facilitate a new road just like the one on the Northern Cross route.
Cllr Power said a new station on the northside of Drogheda would tick a lot of boxes and easy congestion in the town.
He said:” We must urgently complete the joint Drogheda Transport plan and engage with Irish Rail on the basis of evidence and not just aspiration.”
Cllr McQuillan said Fingal County Council paid for half their bridge over the railway line with development levies and then sought government support for the other half.
Mr Thomas McEvoy, the council’s Deputy Chief Executive said there are four phases to the Northern Cross route, one of which is completed and the second will be under way in January.
He confirmed the Council will be asking the government to pay for one of those four phases.
