West=On=Track -News

Rail Stop at Crusheen Remains a Possibility: Minister Killeen

Press Release 15th February 2008 

Crusheen, Clare, 15th February 2008 - Junior Environment and Energy Minister Tony Killeen has said that the development of a rail stop at Crusheen along the route of the Western Rail Corridor should not be discounted.

According to the Clare T.D., Iarnród Éireann has not ruled out the proposal and would consider any evidence to suggest that such a development would be warranted.

In a letter to Minister Killeen, the Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann outlined, "The reopening of Crusheen Station was not included in the Western Rail Corridor Phase 1 project with the reopening of the Ennis to Athenry line because of the very limited development in Crusheen, as identified in Clare County Council's North Clare Local Area Plan 2005."

According to Minister Killeen, "I have reminded the CEO that detailed additional information has been collated by the local community, 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 have been submitted to Iarnród Éireann. In light of this new information, I have requested the company to review the potential for the establishment of a rail stop at Crusheen."

The Minister said he had also received confirmation from Iarnród Éireann that it would be keen to work with developers who would fund a station scheme, as is the case at a number of locations elsewhere on the national rail network.

"Recent reports that Iarnród Éireann has categorically ruled out the future opening of a rail stop at Crusheen could not have been further from the truth. The company has expressed its willingness to consider any evidence supporting the establishment of a rail stop at Crusheen, as part of scheduled passenger services between Ennis and Athenry", stated the Minister.

He added that 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.