IRISH Rail has been urged to step up security at a prominent Northside station to deal with serious levels of anti-social activity.
However, the company has absolutely rejected a claim that it was
“deliberately
? allowing Howth Junction and Donaghmede station to become run down so it could close it altogether.
This comment had been made by Dermot Kirwan, a spokesperson for Howth Junction Railway Users’ Group.
Mr Kirwan told Northside People:
“It’s our opinion that Irish Rail can’t cope with the anti-social behaviour at Howth Junction and Donaghmede Train Station.
“They are letting it die away but in the meantime the residents are left with this hideous eyesore.
“For the Kilbarrack and Bayside stations there are signs on approaching roads directing commuters to the stations but strangely there aren’t any for Howth Junction.
“If they (Irish Rail) can’t manage the anti-social behaviour problems at the station they should just put their hands up and be honest about it.
?
Howth Junction Railway Users’ Group was established six months ago by parents whose children
“don’t feel safe
? using the station.
“The station is dying on its feet,
? claimed Mr Kirwan.
“It’s a major eyesore and has been for some time.
“It’s full of broken glass, beer bottles, litter, graffiti and there is an awful stench of urine. Thugs have taken over and are using it for drinking, drug taking and other anti-social behaviour.
?
Mr Kirwan said Howth Junction was a fine station when it was built and was once in the top four or five for the highest footfall of all the DART stations.
“Some time ago there was a bus running from it direct to the airport which was a great service and people were using it then but not as much anymore,
? he stated.
“People wouldn’t feel safe at night now standing on the platform and instead they make alternative transport arrangements.
?
Mr Kirwan has called for a zero tolerance approach towards dealing with anti-social behaviour at the station.
“We want it properly resourced and properly secured,
? he added.
“You can’t give in to anti-social behaviour.
?
Mr Kirwan also highlighted an issue where the lifts at the station were out of action for the past few months.
A spokesman for Irish Rail told Northside People:
“It is untrue to say that we want to close the station – we invested heavily in the station in the recent past, it has a key role in our future plans for developing the network further, and over 1,700 people board trains daily there. It is the second busiest DART station on the section north of Connolly.
“The bus service referred to (by Mr Kirwan) ceased when the private operator closed down.
“We understand that the licence to operate this service remains available from the National Transport Authority (NTA) but that no other operator has sought the licence.
?
The spokesman said the vandalism of the lifts was extensive and required significant repairs which have been tendered for.
“Works are underway and the lifts will be restored this month,
? he stated.
“Unfortunately such anti-social behaviour occurs from time to time. In an effort to combat such behaviour we have a CCTV system in place at Howth Junction/Donaghmede Station and our local station manager meets regularly with local gardaÃ.
“We also engage the services of security agents to patrol the DART network and we have had additional static security in place at the station at times, including during the recent warm weather.
?
The spokesman said they recently had cleaning contractors on site carrying out a
“deep clean
? of the overall station area.
“Following completion of this deep clean, we will pay particular attention to improving the daily cleaning regime at the station,
? he added.
Meanwhile, local TD Tommy Broughan has described the vandalism at the station as
“very serious
?.
“It is imperative that there is an appropriate response from Iarnród Ã?ireann to tackle this problem,
? he said.
“The acts of vandalism carried out are deplorable and the negative consequences of these are being experienced by law abiding residents.
“These most recent incidents highlight the need for increased security at Howth Junction to prevent any reoccurrences.
?
Deputy Broughan added:
“It is vital that Iarnród Ã?ireann puts appropriate security measures in place – especially at weekends and in the evenings – and that it works with the residents’ group to ensure the Howth Junction and Donaghmede DART station is available to all potential passengers.
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