STRAFFAN, 19 June 2001: by Trish Whelan. Iarnrod Eireann is to look at the possibility of reopening Straffan Rail Station.
The company made a presentation to the Celbridge Area Committee of Kildare County Council on June 8 in relation to the Kildare Route Project which involves increasing the capacity of the existing rail services between Heuston and Kildare Stations.
The project involves the provision of a 3-Track System between the Inchicore Depot and Cherry Orchard Station; a 4-Track system between Cherry Orchard and 3.5 miles beyond Hazelhatch Station; the re-signalling of the entire route and provision of additional stations on the Dublin part of the route.
At the meeting Deputy Emmet Stagg TD questioned Iarnrod Eireann as to why they were not considering re-opening the Straffan Rail Station. They responded that this was not being looked at. However, the Deputy put forward a number of points.
These included:
*The re-opening of the Station would serve Straffan and Ardclough Villages and surrounding areas, with a population of over 3,000 people’
*It would also take traffic away from Hazelhatch Station in Celbridge and reduce pressure on parking there as existing Straffan and Ardclough commuters would switch to the nearer station.
*It would be a major advantage for the Ryder Cup in 2005 when huge numbers of golfing enthusiasts will be trying to get to the K Club.
*Iarnrod Eireann own adequate lands at the Old Station on which to develop a secure Park and Ride facility.
* The provision of such a station will not delay other suburban services from Kildare/Newbridge/Sallins by other than a few minutes.
In response to the above points, Iarnrod Eireann indicated they would investigate the possibility of re-opening the Straffan Rail Station. Deputy Stagg says he will continue to monitor the situation.
©2001trishwhelan/knn