Labour In Call For Funds To Reopen Historic Railway Station In Westmeath

A Labour TD has asked the Minister for Rural and Community Affairs, Michael Ring, to make funds available to reopen Killucan railway station in County Westmeath in order to make rail travel a more accessible facility for local communities.

Willie Penrose TD said the money should be allocated under the Rural Regeneration Fund during a Dáil debate.

The railway station has been closed since 1963 after operating for 115 years. Installing the dual platforms required and bringing it up to date with modern technology would cost around €3.5 million.

Deputy Penrose said: "Rural transport is an important factor in rural regeneration, and rural communities have long been treated like Cinderella in that regard. I would ask the Minister to pay particular attention to the need to provide grant aid for transport in rural areas.

"Transport is important in rural areas to combat rural isolation. Trains have to stop there everyday as it stands. Its reopening would be of major assistance to many local communities, the citizens of which face one and a half hour journeys each way to get to work. It would make a major contribution to carbon reduction and help the environment.

"Some 10,000 people live within 5 km of the station. The population has quadrupled in this area in the past number of years. Up to 50% of funding could be available from the Rural Regeneration Fund and the Border, Midlands and Western, BMW, funding. We should be able to access that funding and make rail travel a real option for a rural communities in Westmeath." 



(JG/CM)