Call for urgent action on ‘lack of available parking’ at Laytown Train Station in Meath
The current parking provision at Laytown Train Station is “no longer fit for purpose” and is causing “daily frustration” for Meath commuters, a local councillor has said.
At the October meeting of Laytown-Bettystown Municipal District, Fine Gael Councillor Sharon Tolan called on Meath County Council and the relevant transport authorities to urgently address the shortage of commuter parking in Laytown, highlighting the growing pressure faced by local residents, commuters, and businesses.
Cllr Tolan said that the current facilities are causing frustration for commuters who rely on public transport to travel to work, school, and college.
According to the councillor, local businesses are also being impacted, with customers deterred by congestion and limited parking availability.
“Every day, I hear from constituents who are struggling to find safe and accessible parking at Laytown Train Station,” she said.
“The overflow is impacting residential streets and creating unnecessary tension for local communities.”
“Businesses in the area are suffering too, as potential customers are put off by the lack of available parking. We urgently need a solution that supports commuters, businesses, and residents alike.”
With ongoing population growth in East Meath and increasing demand for sustainable transport options, Cllr Tolan stressed that investment in additional commuter parking is “critical.”
“We have worked hard to promote public transport as a viable and now affordable alternative to car journeys into Dublin. However, if people cannot park safely near the station, they are discouraged from using the train.”
“Expanding commuter parking is a practical and immediate step that would make public transport more accessible and reliable for our community,” she added.
Cllr Tolan called on Iarnród Éireann to utilise the large yard adjacent to Laytown Station and expand the existing car park to provide a long-term solution to the growing commuter demand.
She has also requested that Meath County Council engage with the National Transport Authority to explore additional measures.
“This is about ensuring that East Meath residents and businesses have the infrastructure they need.”
“ We cannot allow inadequate parking to become a barrier to sustainable transport or a barrier to doing business,” she said.