Louth ‘satellite’ train station mooted to ease parking pressures in Dundalk

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

A new “satellite” park and ride train station outside Dundalk would alleviate pressures on parking and space at Clarke station, according to a Louth councillor.

Proposals for a “halt” station to be built south of Dundalk, in the Killally/Crumlin area, emerged in a submission by Cllr. Shane McGuinness to the upcoming County Development Plan.

In the submission Cllr. McGuinness outlined how “Dundalk is facing a massive population growth - possibly over 70% by 2035 - and a large percentage of that population will live on the southern side of the town.”

He added: “While the train station in Dundalk has served us well,” pressures on parking, which have recently made headlines, will impact its future use.

“I would support the view as a specific objective under our new development plan and policy to look seriously at building a new halt type train station in an area about 1.5 kilometres, south of Dundalk at Killally/Crumlin.”

The land, he said, is currently owned by a government agency, and is located in an area close to Junction 16 on the M1.

He explained that unlike larger train stations, a “halt” station usually only has a basic long platform and a name board, with no station buildings, staff or yard, but crucially it would have a plenty of room for parking.

"This area will have a large number of industrial companies, shops, housing and many people living there. It would also have facility for up to 2000 cars, and this car park would be free of charge.”

Cllr. McGuinness said the area would be ideal for a new “satellite” station as it would provide motorway access for all south side residents of Dromiskin, Castlebellingham and Knockbridge, and also have ease of access from large towns in the region including Ardee, Carrickmacross and Castleblayney.

With many commuters travelling from across the border to use train services in Dundalk, he suggested this new station would be much more accessible than travelling through the town centre.

“I would also envisage that eventually the Dart would reach out to this park and ride station, and I feel this area and location would be much better suited to a satellite station than any other north of Dublin.”

He stressed that the existing award winning Clarke Station would continue to serve all rail users in Dundalk town centre, and especially those who cycle, walk, and live nearby.