New Railway Line and Train Station
Thursday, 04 June 2009 10:31
New Railway Line and Train Station to Serve Dublin West.
Major works have commenced on the 7.5 kilometre rail line, which will branch off the Maynooth line at Clonsilla and terminate at the interchange with the M3 north of Dunboyne, at Pace. SIAC Construction has commenced work on site at the start of December 2008. The old trackway is being cleared and rebuilt while traffic diversions have been put in place.
Minister Brian Lenihan TD stated: “In spite of the current economic difficulties we are facing this project is a key piece of the Government’s Transport 21 program and the National Development Plan which will make a significant difference to a great many people’s lives.”
Speaking earlier today Minister Lenihan also said “people are looking for alternative ways to change their daily commuting habits and as a Government we understand this and are investing now to make those alternatives available. This new rail service is an important part of our Transport 21 investment program. From 2010 commuters from Dublin West and beyond will be able to leave their cars at home and avail of this reliable and efficient public transport option. I can see that this service will be an enormous success.”
According to Iarnród Éireann; the service is set to commence in 2010 and will be operated by commuter rolling stock. All services will terminate to Docklands Station. Initially the frequency of the service will be at 30 minute intervals at peak periods, as demand increases this will expand to 15 minute intervals at peak times. Off-peak services will be hourly.
The project includes:
- Construction of 7.5km’s of double track between Clonsilla & Dunboyne (M3)
- Installation of a new signalling and telecoms system
- The Provision of three new stations at:
- Hansfield – at the heart of the Hansfield Strategic Development Zone
- Dunboyne - with a 300 space car park
- Pace (M3) – with a major Park and Ride facility consisting of 1,200 spaces, making it the largest public transport park and ride facility in the country. It’s location will mean a wide catchment area of commuters from Co Meath, Louth and beyond will be able to avoid congestion and dramatically cut their commuting time to the city centre
- Other infrastructure works; including bridge works; boundary treatments; drainage and earthworks will be provided.
- Each of the stations will be equipped with lifts and footbridges and will be fully accessible for those with mobility and sensory impairments. These new stations will provide a frequent and reliable rail service for new and existing communities in Dublin West and will help relieve traffic congestion on the N3, one of the busiest routes in the country.
The Clonsilla to Navan line was closed in 1963. Dunboyne has not been served by rail since 1947 when the station closed.