[PR] Kildare route project plans to be outlined to public meetings along the route

Victor

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/general_news.asp?action=view&news_id=120

Kildare route project plans to be outlined to public meetings along the route
by Media & P.R.

Kildare route project plans to be outlined to public meetings along route
Project to boost capacity for growing Heuston/Kildare corridor

Iarnród Éireann will hold a series of public information meetings this week and next to detail the planned Kildare Route Project to communities along the route.

The Kildare Route Project is funded by the Irish Government, under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, and the European Union’s Cohesion Fund and Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It is designed to boost capacity dramatically on the Heuston-Kildare line through three-tracking and four-tracking key sections of the route, allowing more commuter and InterCity trains to operate to and from the capital’s flagship station.


The meetings will be held as follows:

Tues Feb 3rd
6pm-8pm
Community Civic Centre, Ballyfermot

Wed Feb 4th
7pm-9pm
Community Hall, Newcastle

Thurs Feb 5th
7pm-9pm
South Dublin County Council, Clondalkin

Mon Feb 9th
7pm-9pm
Townhouse Hotel, Naas

Tues Feb 10th
7pm-9pm
Parish Hall, Sallins

Wed Feb 11th
7pm-9pm
Standhouse Hotel, Curragh Racecourse


Fergal Lalor, Project Manager said “we hope we will have a good attendance from the communities along the route, for these important public consultation meetings. We will outline the benefits which would be delivered by the Kildare Route Project investment, the likely issues surrounding the work involved, and address other questions residents and businesses along the route may have.”

Interim works on the project, including platform works at a number of stations, have already delivered increased capacity on the Heuston/Kildare route since last December’s new timetable was introduced. This was facilitated by the addition of 80 new commuter railcars to the fleet, of benefit to all commuter routes.

The full Kildare Route Project will be of benefit to the entire community, offering:

An Improved Transport Service… Commuters will benefit from a significantly enhanced service, with the provision of more frequent and larger trains. Up to six commuter trains will run along the route per hour at peak times, with the potential to carry many extra passengers. Stations will be upgraded and enlarged, meaning more space and comfort for our customers. A number of stations may be re-located in order to provide better access and to facilitate more rail users.

An Improved Local Economy A high-quality transport link will improve jobs prospects and opportunities for residents, by advancing the economic and commercial potential of communities situated on the route.

An Improved Local Environment… Improved access between Dublin city centre, the suburbs and satellite towns will reduce the use of private cars, exhaust emissions, traffic congestion and road accidents. Re-designed and modernised stations will also enhance local communities.


Project Status

Over the coming months, the public consultation process will continue, whereby all stakeholders will be contacted and updated on the status of the Project by the Community Relations Unit and will have the opportunity to raise any concerns they may have.

Already one track has been added to the two existing tracks from Heuston to Inchicore. It is intended to continue this track from Inchicore to the Cherry Orchard area, from where an additional track will be added to beyond Hazelhatch, bringing the number of tracks to four. The resulting increase in capacity will provide a more frequent service for our customers.

Funding has been confirmed to complete the current phase of the project, which is the Railway Order (RO) process. It is intended to make an RO application to the Minister for Transport in late summer 2004, following consultation with all interested parties. On receipt of the RO application, it is expected that the Minister will appoint an Inspector to convene a Public Inquiry. If the application is successful and if the relevant funding is available, the tendering and construction can commence.

West Briton

Curious that if you live in Celbridge and use Hazelhatch and Celbridge station that you have got to DRIVE five miles to Newcastle to go to the meeting.

I suppose these plans don't include a bus from Newcastle to Maynooth Station via Celbridge

John R

You could always get the train to the meetings in Ballyfermot, Clondalkin, Sallins or Naas.;)