West=On=Track -News

Iarnród Eireann Submits Funding Request for Crusheen Rail Stop

Press Release Thursday May 6th 2010 

A local developer has offered to make land available for a car park and railway station in Crusheen, Clare T.D. and Minister Tony Killeen has said.

Minister Killeen said he has received confirmation from Iarnród Eireann Chief Executive Richard Fearn that it has received substantial interest in the possibility of reopening the North Clare railway station, which is located along the route of the recently opened Western Rail Corridor.  

The company has also confirmed it has submitted an application for funding to develop the station.

He said he reminded Mr. Fearn that considerable information has been collated by the local community in Crusheen, with considerable assistance from Clare County Council, regarding the potential future use of the proposed rail stop.

“This information along with undertakings relating to the provision of adequate car parking facilities at the platform in Crusheen has been submitted to Iarnród Éireann. In light of the credible case for reopening of the station, I have requested the company to review the potential for the establishment of a rail stop at Crusheen”, explained Minister Killeen.

He noted there remained a strong case for the provision of a rail stop in Crusheen.

“Two stops are being provided for between Gort and Athenry and none on the very long stretch of railway between Ennis to Gort. Crusheen is an ideal location for people coming from Ruan, Corofin, Tubber, Boston and elsewhere in North Clare as well as Tulla and other areas of East Clare", concluded Minister Killeen.

In a letter to the Minister, the Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann outlined: "Whilst Crusheen was not included in the Transport 21 investment programme for the route (Limerick to Galway line), there has since been substantial interest in the possibility of reopening the station”.

The CEO continued: “…a local developer is prepared to make some land available for a station and car park, and Clare County Council has agreed to co-operate with the scheme. The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs have indicated that they may provide CLAR funding for the station and Iarnród Eireann has submitted a formal application for the funding this year”.