Over €4m Allocated For Station Repairs In Cork And Waterford

Almost €3 million has been allocated to repair the roof of Kent Station in Cork, which was severely damaged in the recent bad weather.

Welcoming the news Fine Gael Cork North Central TD, Dara Murphy, said: "This funding is being provided as part of a total of €5 million being allocated to Irish Rail to deal with the damage caused to the rail network by the severe weather. The fact that Kent Station is to receive more than half of the money being allocated nationally illustrates just how badly it has been damaged.

"The roof of Kent Station was dramatically ripped off by high winds in December, and indeed it was miraculous that no one was seriously hurt. The station is a key part of the city’s transport infrastructure, and I am pleased that the Government has responded so quickly with this funding."

And in Waterford €1m has been allocated for the repair of storm damage at Plunkett Station.

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy and Vice Chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications, Paudie Coffey said: "Minister for Public Transport, Alan Kelly, has confirmed to me that more than €1 million is being provided to clear up previous rock-falls and protect against future similar occurrences at Plunkett Station.

"The station is a vital part of Waterford’s public transport network and I am hopeful once these works are complete, we will not see a similar occurrence where the track was flooded and rocks fell onto the tracks. It is important that rail links are kept open for the city’s economy and I hope these essential works will now take place in a timely manner."

(MH/IT)