Tipperary train passengers forced to wait outside in rain as station upgrades face two-year delay
Passengers are being forced to wait outside in rain, hail and snow at one of Tipperary’s major train stations, with planned upgrades to the facility not due to begin for another two years.
Passengers using Clonmel Train Station are currently unable to access the station’s indoor waiting facilities, toilets or other services.
The issue was highlighted in the Dáil by Tipperary TD Seamus Healy, who said that upgrade works to the facilities of the station must be carried out as soon as possible.
“Large numbers wait for connecting trains and buses there. They wait outside in hail, rain and snow while the station building remains closed,” he said.
“There is no access whatsoever to any service like toilets or waiting areas,” Deputy Healy said.
While upgrade works are planned for the station, including upgrading the waiting rooms, staff facilities and toilets, as well as providing a changing places facility, these works aren’t expected to start for another two years.
Funding for the upgrades is coming from the National Transport Authority (NTA), but Deputy Healy said that they need to be carried out much sooner.
“That will mean another two years of people waiting in all weathers without toilet facilities or waiting areas. This is not good enough by a long shot,” Deputy Healy said.
Deputy Healy called on Sean Canney, the Minister of State for Transport, to intervene and ensure that the upgrade works are carried out as a matter of urgency.
“I am asking the Minister of State to intervene to ensure these minor works in what is an existing building commence immediately,” he said.
Deputy Healy said that despite Tipperary being an important regional transport hub, public transport options from the county are limited.
“A properly functioning, accessible and fit-for-purpose railway station is essential if we are serious about improving public transport, supporting commuters and reducing reliance on cars,” he added.
Plans are also afoot for external works to the train and bus station, with a new bus shelter and seating, new paving, kerbs, timetable signage and road resurfacing to the front of the station.
Revised car parking layouts will also be added at the front of the station, with new pedestrian crossings within the site and at Thomas Street and new bicycle stands and enhanced lighting.