Study launched for possible train station at Kylemore

Iarnóid Éireann has launched a study to explore a possible new train station at Kylemore.

AtkinsRéalis has been commissioned by Iarnóid Éireann to explore designs for a potential new station at Kylemore, with the idea of integrating the station with the existing heavy rail network that exists within Dublin.

More specifically, there are plans to integrate the station with the DART+ South West project.

The station would see Kylemore link up with the DART route that stops in Park West and Cherry Orchard, Clondalkin, Kishoge, Adamstown and onto Hazelhatch and Celbridge.

The preferred options for the study are expected to be announced by the end of 2024, and will then go to the National Transport Authority for funding allocation.

Green Party TD Patrick Costello has been an advocate of a train station on the Southside, saying that a station in either Ballyfermot or Kylemore would serve as a form of upward social mobility for residents and ease pressure on housing in the city centre.

“Currently an area like Ballyfermot has no rail connections to the city centre, nor are there any proposed plans to link it. Given the new development plans for the Naas Road, the building of a DART station in the area would have the effect of both connecting the area to the city whilst also facilitating people moving to the suburbs thus easing the pressure on the housing market in the central area.”

Labour local election candidate for Ballyfermot-Drimnagh, Patrick Dempsey, has called on Government to commit to the construction of the station at Kylemore.

He noted that the National Transport Authority has not yet committed to this project, nor has it committed to providing the funding required to build it.

“During consultations, the community called for a new station to be built. It is a critical piece in the jigsaw to ensure that we increase public transport options, and for Dublin to play its part in the climate action plan.

“It is crucial that the Government and National Transport Authority fully commits to this project and provides the funding required. It cannot become a plan that gathers dust on a shelf, much like the Lucan Luas Feasibility Study.

“The population of Ballyfermot is projected to grow substantially over the coming years, with large new residential developments in progress or in planning. This station must be built to ensure that the public transport system can manage this and that the people of Ballyfermot have greater mobility across the city.

Minister for Transport, Éamon Ryan TD said “I am delighted that studies are underway into developing a new train station in Kylemore.”

He said the locations were identified as a way of helping Greater Dublin Area transport strategies hit their goals.

These studies indicate this Government’s commitment to providing new, quality public transport options, including rail, across Ireland. I look forward to the completion.”

Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority, Anne Graham said “with more and more people now using public transport to get to work, college or lifestyle appointments it is vital that we plan options for new rail stations and additional capacity on our network.”

“We need to ensure our customers have a frequent and reliable service which they can use in their daily lives.”

Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann Jim Meade said “at Iarnród Éireann we are delighted that studies are underway on these key infrastructure developments. We believe strongly that providing frequent and reliable rail services to more and more communities will greatly assist in reducing reliance on private cars and will go a long way to meeting Ireland’s climate action targets.  This will help establish rail as the backbone of Ireland’s sustainable transport network.”