Dublin’s last ‘ghost station’ will remain unopened despite Phoenix Park tunnel opening

Dublin’s last ‘ghost station’ will remain unopened despite Phoenix Park tunnel opening

By Brendan Grehan

Irish Rail commenced new commuter services from the Kildare line to Connolly and Grand Canal via the Phoenix Park tunnel today.

The news has been welcomed by local councillor, William Lavelle, but he has described it as “scandalous” that Kishogue station in Lucan will remain closed.

Kishogue rail station 17 November 2016

Cllr Lavelle has criticised Transport Minister Shane Ross and national agencies for refusing to open the station.

Cllr Lavelle told The Echo: “Having campaigned for many years to have the Phoenix Park tunnel reopened, I am delighted that services will begin using it on Monday.

“This will offer a new peak-time rail service from stations along the Kilcare line to the City Centre.

“But I am disappointed that Minister Shane Ross and out-of-touch national agencies continue to refuse to open Kishogue station in Lucan – Dublin’s last ‘ghost station.”

Cllr Lavelle said that areas of Lucan closest to Kishogue stationm, particularly Griffeen Avenue, are clogged with traffic congestion.

He added: “We need more public transport options. Allowing a €6.35 million station to lie idle as a new train service whistles by without stopping is scandalous.”

Cllr Lavelle noted that Irish Rail is spending money to keep the station secure and even to ensure regular maintenance of lifts that nobody uses.

He said: “I am yet again calling on Minister Ross, the National Transport Authority and Irish Rail to open Kishogue station.”

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