GREYSTONES STATION WILL REMAIN OPEN

WARM WELCOME FOR IRISH RAIL DECISION AFTER LOCAL CAMPAIGNS WERE LAUNCHED

GREYSTONES Train Station will not close after all, Irish Rail has confirmed.

It emerged in recent weeks that Irish Rail had plans to lease out the train station to a commercial tenant, with entrance and exit points to rail services be located at alternative sites.

Local campaigns and petitions were launched as concerns in the town included the potential harm to the business community; safety for commuters, particularly younger people; and access for disabled people at an unmanned station.

Minister Simon Harris, Deputy Stephen Donnelly and Cllr Jennifer Whitmore all welcomed Irish Rail’s decision last Friday.

‘While decisions on staffing will not be made until the New Year, we have reviewed the station building issues,’ said Barry Kenny of Irish Rail. ‘Following representations from the local community, both directly and through elected representatives, the importance of maintaining a prominent entrance from Main Street was clear. The optimum solution is the current entrance. We will continue to pursue potential commercial use for the remainder of the building.’

‘When I learned of the proposals by Irish Rail, I immediately contacted the Chief Executive and arranged to meet with him,’ said Minister Harris. ‘Having held a number of meetings with the Greystones business community and concerned residents, it was clear to me that the proposals made by Irish Rail would have a very significant impact on our town.’

Deputy Stephen Donnelly said that he had received commitment from the CEO of Irish Rail David Franks regarding the station’s future.

Deputy Donnelly said that he had been in touch with Irish Rail as far back as June and his petition had collected several hundred signatures.

He met the CEO last week to discuss the station, high fares and overcrowding.

‘ The local community will be thrilled to hear that the station will remain in use,’ said Deputy Donnelly. ‘I have also received further commitments to improve services for people with disabilities.’

Cllr Jennifer Whitmore said that she had also spoken to Irish Rail last Friday, confirming that pedestrian access through the station would be maintained.

Cllr Whitmore said that parents of schoolchildren had very real concerns about the safety of their children if an alternative entrance to the station was to be provided down Bow Lane.

‘However, this recent announcement does not indicate whether there will be any changes in the manning of the station and any potential impact that this may have for people with disabilities that may need assistance to use the train,’ she said. ‘I will continue to work with Irish Rail on this issue to ensure that any changes regarding assistance will not cause any further difficulties to any members of our community.’