Reopening of Dunleer train station a ‘no-brainer’, says Louth councillor

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

The reopening of Dunleer train station is a “no-brainer” according to a local councillor who supported calls for railway services to be brought back to life in the mid-Louth town.

Cllr. Dolores Minogue, who is Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District, submitted a motion to the monthly meeting of Louth County Council asking for Irish Rail to meet with councillors to discuss the future of the disused station in Dunleer.

"The station reopening is of major importance to our community, it would improve regional connectivity, ease traffic congestion, support economic development and provide a sustainable transport option for commuters and businesses alike.”

She also appealed for all six mid-Louth councillors to be included in any meetings which take place.

Cllr. Pearse McGeough told the meeting that there had been calls, over many years, for the reopening of the train station in Dunleer.

He said that the growth in population in both mid-Louth and the Drogheda area had only added to the view that a second train station was needed north of Drogheda.

Cllr. McGeough pointed out that Irish Rail had said there were no plans to build a another train station in Louth, “so it would make sense to look at reopening Dunleer Station.”

The meeting heard that a ‘change of use’ planning application had been submitted for the Station House in Dunleer.

The application includes proposals to turn the former railway station at Dunleer into a gym/fitness facility.

Cllr. McGeough suggested all mid-Louth councillors make a submission on this application.

Cllr. Rachel Kerley supported the motion, explaining that as a commuter to Dublin she would “welcome any type of engagement that would help to ease congestion on the roads.”

Cllr. Michelle Hall asked that the motion be extended to Drogheda councillors, saying: “We really do need Dunleer open, as in north Drogheda a lot of people could access Dunleer station.”

"But we absolutely need another station in Drogheda as well as in mid-Louth. I don’t think it is one or the other, I think we need both,” said Cllr. Hall.

She added that there is no parking after 7.15p.m in Drogheda station at the moment due to the DART works, which may continue for a number of years.

"We are encouraging people to use public transport, to take the train, so there has to be a bigger conversation here with Irish Rail.”

Cllr. Maeve Yore said the reopening of Dunleer station was “a no-brainer”, adding that the late Dunleer councillor, Hugh Conlon, had raised the issue over many years.

She asked if the motion could be amended to include all councillors.

But, she warned: “If the parking issues at Clarke Station are anything to go by, and the engagement, or lack of engagement, by Irish Rail, we may have a problem on our hands.”

Cllr. Yore said: “We are talking about climate change all the time, we are talking about taking cars off roads, this is a no-brainer with the amount of people in mid-Louth who would use the station.”

Cllr. Declan Power also supported the motion, saying that the transport network in Louth needs improvement.

Cllr. Anne Marie Forde voiced her support, saying that a station was vital for Dunleer.

But she added a note of caution, telling councillors that parking issues in the village could emerge if designated rail parking wasn’t provided.

"We should be aware of what the train station opening would mean for Dunleer, which already has a lot of traffic. We need to be cognisant of that.”

Cllr. Shane McGuinness added there had been a lot of calls for additional train stations in Louth.

"We need to have an overall conversation about this, and where a station would best be located. In five years time we could be needing a new railway station in Dundalk South, so I think we need to think of where the population will be.”

He said there is a need for 1,200 to 1,400 parking spaces at a new train station, whether it is a satellite station or a full station.

Cllr. Minogue said the tracks in Dunleer are there, and “it would be very easy for trains to stop,” adding: “If there is a will, there is a way.”