Stagg Welcomes Upgrading of Railway Stations on Maynooth Line
Issued : Friday 5 August, 2011
Areas : Maynooth/Leixlip
Deputy Emmet Stagg has welcomed the provision of funding in the sum of €2 million to upgrade the railway stations on the Maynooth line, sanctioned by Minister of State for Transport Alan Kelly T.D.
Deputy Stagg stated that the Maynooth line had been one of the fastest growing routes in the Irish Rail network with approximately 15,000 passenger journeys daily. Train services along this line have been modernised over recent years, through rolling stock replacement programmes and improvements in service frequency, including the start of services on the M3 Parkway – Docklands route in 2010. The stations, however, have not been upgraded since construction and are now in need of modernisation.
The objectives for this project are to enhance the customer facilities and presentation of Maynooth line stations. The following elements are included in the proposed works:
· Building structural improvements;
· New customer shelters on platforms incorporating new seating;
· New station furniture on platforms (seating, litter bins, etc);
· Platform and station lighting improvements;
· Upgrade of station signage plus new information panels;
· New signage on approach roads;
· Upgrade of electrical services at each station; and
· Landscaping and painting works around stations.
These works will provide a cleaner, brighter more welcoming experience for customers.
The Kildare stations on the line to be refurbished under this project are as follows;
· Leixlip Confey;
· Leixlip Louisa Bridge; and
· Maynooth.
In addition similar works will be undertaken at Drumcondra, Broombridge, Ashtown, Castleknock and Coolmine Stations. Some of these will require upgrading of all elements listed above while basic works will address all others. In respect of the remaining stations, Phoenix Park does not require upgrading as it is effectively a new station, while Clonsilla is being currently being addressed as part of a separate project.
This funding stated Deputy Stagg follows on from the €34,000 approved for IE Signage, Directional Signage, External and Internal Painting and Platform Furniture at Kilcock Railway Station approved in July last.
In conclusion Deputy Stagg stated that it is anticipated that these station upgrade works will be completed by year end. The overall estimated cost of the refurbishment programme is €2 million.
