KILDARE GENERAL, 27 June 2001: by Trish Whelan. Iarnród Eireann’s ‘On track’ Kildare Route Project, which allows for the expansion of rail track and services to South Dublin and Kildare, was explained in detail to members of Kildare County Council on Monday.
Due for completion in March 2005, it will provide for projected growth to 2012. Construction work is set to commence in May 2003.
Project director Fergal Lalor said the project will be built so the two new lines will run independently of the existing track and this will result in minimum disruption when work begins.
It will mean six trains an hour, morning and evening, increasing the capacity six-fold, he said.
The project involves the provision of a 3-track system between Inchicore Depot and Cherry Orchard Station and a 4-track system between Cherry Orchard and 3.5 miles beyond Hazelhatch Station.
It will also mean the remodelling of track layout at Sallins/Naas and Kildare stations to allow for turn-back of suburban trains; the re-signalling of the entire route as well as the construction of 17 new bridges along the way. New footbridges are planned for Sallins, Newbridge and Kildare stations.
New stations and car parking will be in operation at Adamstown, Kishoge, Fonthill Road and Park West. The project will service identified developments along the route such as Park West; the 3,000 new jobs to be created by Wyeth; 8,000 new homes for Adamstown as well as growth in Newbridge and the Kildare area.
Iarnród Eireann has identified all the parcels of land adjacent to the line as each landowner will have to be notified as regards the impact the project will have on their property.
A postal drop is planned for the 62,000 houses along the route giving information about the process and a community relations unit freephone 1800 201 225 will be available to the general public.
Fergal Lalor said while improving customer service and the whole image of public transport, the project will also facilitate the expansion of Iarnród Eireann’s own business.
©2001trishwhelan/knn