Increased numbers using train service leads to call for improved pedestrian access at Collooney station

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Cllr Thomas Walsh has called on Iarnród Eireann and Sligo County Council to provide a safe pedestrian connection from Collooney Centre to the train station.

Cllr Walsh’s motion before the recent meeting of Sligo-Drumcliffe Municipal District where he called on the County Council to improve the existing footpath from T junction at R290 under the bridge towards Collooney train station along the L2101 and to write to Iarnrod Eireann to seek a meeting with them.

Cllr Walsh highlighted the increasing numbers that are availing of rail transport and the active travel scheme work carried out by Sligo County Council saying, “Over 1.5 million journeys were recorded on the Sligo Dublin train in 2025 and yet we have a situation whereby people can still not access Collooney centre and the train station safely on foot.

"Sligo County Council have recently completed a very positive active travel project as far as the t-junction in Collooney and access to the station entrance is urgently required. I am also calling on Iarnrod Eireann to invest in additional parking around the station to facilitate the growing number of people using the train from their €550 million capital monies.

“I have raised this for many years now and it’s about time capital funding has been allocated to improve access to the station in Collooney and parking to meet growing demand. In 2026, we want more people to use public transport. The infrastructure network around transport hubs is a key factor.”

Addressing the meeting Cllr Walsh said, “The first thing we talk about is making public transport accessible. People are coming to Collooney from Sligo because of the lack of parking in Sligo.”

Cllr Walsh continued, “We want people to use the train station. There are more and more people using the train but Irish Rail need to play their part as well. I can’t understand why the footpath can’t be put on a verge. The infrastructure is there, it should have been done long ago.”

Supporting the motion Cllr Thomas Healy commented, “We did look at the an alternative route via the bingo hall, I don’t know what happened with that. Irish Rail don’t own that land as far as I know.”

Sligo County Council A/Senior Engineer, Paul O’Rourke informed the meeting the issue with the land on the bingo hall route is with the landowner. “We are trying to establish who the landowner is. The bishop has to find the paperwork.”

The meeting heard the local authority’s original plan was to have the walkway continuing as far as the train platform with Mr O’Rourke commenting, “We still haven’t let go of that. The feedback I’m getting is the dioceses is positive.”

Cllr Donal Gilroy also offered his support for the motion commenting, “A lot of church lands are left to the church via somebody’s estate. I think you are doing the right thing going down that route.”

Cllr Marie Casserly also offered her support for the motion and thanked Mr O’Rourke for the update saying, “It’s great to hear you are looking at all options.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.