Railway stations set for facelift

A
NUMBER of railways stations serving Northsiders along the Maynooth line are set
for a facelift following a Government decision to provide funding worth e2 mil-
lion for upgrades.

The
line is one of Iarnród Ã?ireann’s busiest routes with approximately 15,000
passenger journeys daily and the funding will be used to improve stations
including those at Drumcondra, Broombridge, Ashtown, Castleknock and Coolmine.

Misinster
for Transport and Dublin West TD, Leo Varadkar, confirmed the funding was in
place and said work will be carried out before the end of the year.

“I
expect there will be a direct jobs benefit from this work as well,

? he
continued.

“Works
are already underway at Clonsilla Station under an earlier funding programme.
This includes providing parking spaces, a set-down area, a new signalised
junction with pedestrian phasing and a new access point to the station.

“The
new access route will allow people with disabilities to access the station via
a lift and bridge over the tracks. It will also enable people from Portersgate,
Aldemere, Manorfields and Ongar to enter the station without having to walk up
to the level crossing.

“This
route is therefore safer, and will save time during rush hour.

“At
Castleknock, plans are in place to improve the station building and provide
more ticket machines.

“Castleknock
and Coolmine train stations will both benefit from new shelters, seat- ing
areas, new signage and information displays, emergency lighting and structural
upgrades.

?

Minister
for Social Protection and Labour TD for Dublin West, Joan Burton, welcomed the
announcement saying the objective of the upgrading project was to enhance
customer facilities and presentation at the train stations.

“This
is to be greatly welcomed as the Maynooth line is one of the fastest growing

routes
in the Irish Rail network,

? she said.

“In
recent years, the frequency of the service has improved and the MP3 Parkway
Docklands route was introduced. However the stations have not been upgraded
since

they
were constructed and are in need of modernisation.

“These works will provide a
more welcoming environment for customers and it is anticipated that they will
be completed by the end of the year.

?