West=On=Track -News

Green Light For Crusheen Rail Stop

Press Release Thursday October 7th 2010 

Minister for Defence and Clare T.D. Tony Killeen has announced that funds totalling approximately €1.5m have been allocated for the provision of a rail stop at Crusheen, which is located along the route of the recently opened Western Rail Corridor.  

A number of works will have to be undertaken before the stop is operational. These include alignment works, the development of a new platform, construction of public parking facilities, signal works, and the installation of ticketing machines and public lighting. 

According to Minister Killeen: “Iarnród Eireann’s Chief Executive Dick Fearn informed me that the company is very pleased with the level of passengers now utilising the recently opened section of railway between Limerick and Galway. He also said he believes the provision of a rail stop at Crusheen will contribute to the success of the overall service.”

This week’s funding announcement arises out of a meeting facilitated by Minister Killeen on September 6th. The meeting was also attended by Dick Fearn, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann; Michael O'Doherty, Project Spokesperson for Crusheen Rail Stop Campaign; Councillor Michael Kelly; Sean Keehan from Crusheen; a local developer and various other community representatives; and senior officials from the Department of Transport and the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Commenting on the background to today’s announcement, Minister Killeen said: “Realignment and new level works were undertaken at Crusheen during the construction phase of the Western Rail Corridor ahead of its reopening in March of this year. Earlier this year a local developer offered to make land available for a car park and railway station in Crusheen. This followed on foot of Iarnród Eireann receiving substantial interest in the possibility of a service from Crusheen. Considerable information also was 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 were submitted to Iarnród Éireann. In light of the credible case for the provision of a rail stop in Crusheen, I requested the company to review the potential for such a development. As a result Iarnród Eireann submitted an application for funding to develop the station in late April. I am delighted that funding has now been secured for the delivery of this vital infrastructure project”, explained Minister Killeen.

He continued: “I have made numerous representations down through the years on behalf of the people of Crusheen to numerous Ministers and Departments as well as Iarnród Eireann. I have always believed that there was a strong case for the provision of a rail stop in Crusheen. The benefits of such development for both the North Clare area and the overall operational success of the Limerick to Galway rail service are significant. Two stops are presently 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”.

Minister Killeen concluded by acknowledging the efforts of the local community, including Councillor Michael Kelly, and Clare County Council in pressing the case for the rail stop.