When Alison Comyn stood for Fianna Fáil in the general election she promised that, if elected, she would be an advocate for Drogheda and highlight local issues in the Dail. She narrowly missed out on a Dail seat but, since becoming a Senator, Alison has delivered on that promise whenever the opportunity arises. 

Speaking to Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien in the Seanad last week, Senator Comyn called for a second railway station in Drogheda to tackle commuter issues and traffic congestion which can only get worse with the thousands of new homes being built in the area. 

Senator Comyn told the Minister that Drogheda’s commuters are suffering due to the lack of parking at the current station and traffic congestion, and with over 20,000 new residents in the next few years on the north side, planning is needed now to open a new railway station during construction of the third section of the PANCR.  

“The ideal location for the northside railway station would be adjacent to the Port Access link road, and with the second phase due to begin, construction of a tunnel and opening of the new rail station would coincide perfectly with the third phase of the PANCR road,” she said. 

“Its location would also assist in routing port traffic and heavy goods vehicles away from the centre of town and would encourage new users to the port facility generating new industry and jobs for the locality. 

She said the rapid expansion of the town, in particular the volume of housing being constructed close to the Ballymakenny Road, means the infrastructure needs to be planned now, rather than later. 

“A new IDA business park is ready to open close to the link road, Drogheda United is planning a state-of-the-art football ground and it would be the ideal place for a much-needed hotel for the Drogheda area, as our largest one is still being used for International Protection Asylum seekers,” she added. 

“It could essentially become a transport hub serving thousands of commuters, residents and students across South Louth, Mid Louth and parts of Meath, as well as tourists to Louth and the Boyne Valley area”. 

Senator Comyn met with Brian Hanratty and Kevin Enright of the Commuter North Rail Users Group in Drogheda last week to discuss the possibility and they said they will work closely with rail users to achieve this. 

“It was a very useful meeting,” said Mr Hanratty. “Alison is well aware of all the key issues relating to the need for Irish Rail to provide rail commuters in Drogheda and East Meath a top class and competitively priced rail service.” 

Mr Enright also endorsed Alison’s view that, initially, the Government needs to focus on delivering a new Drogheda North Railway Station, before looking at other stations. 

“This initiative would attract new rail commuters from the north side of Drogheda and key areas of rural Louth, such as Clogherhead; Termonfeckin and Tullyallen while easing traffic and parking congestion at the current station,” he added. 

Senator Comyn also met with CEO of Drogheda and District Chamber Hubert Murphy on the second rail station and he said the underpass at the railway line is vital to complete the road and every option must be considered to make sure it’s developed. 

“Obviously, the cost will be a factor, but that will have to be met in some way, be it government or private concerns, otherwise the road is useless and unfinished,” said Mr Murphy. “With the next phase of the road due to start shortly, having a plan in place quickly to progress to a third stage would be hugely beneficial”.