Councillors defend Leitrim train station against bypass suggestion

The importance of, and heavy use of, Dromod train station was highlighted at a meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, following a suggestion from a councillor in a neighbouring county that smaller stations on the Sligo to Dublin line, including Dromod, should be bypassed to reduce travel times.

Cllr Irene Guckian Rabbitte urged the Council to write to Iarnród Éireann to strongly object to any plans to bypass smaller railway stations, such as Dromod, in an effort to speed up travel times to Dublin.

“Investment in extra carriages and on the railway infrastructure itself would be very much appreciated, as would an early train to Sligo for people to get into work or for early morning appointments at Sligo hospital,” her motion stated.

“There’s a lot of people living in Dromod because of that railway station. A lot of people commute,” she said. “It would be an awful shame to see Dromod or any small stations like that bypassed in an effort to speed up times,” added Cllr Guckian Rabbitte.

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She noted that many people over the years have dedicated time to expanding and improving services at Dromod. “I think that discussion should be put to bed as quickly as possible because it’s a very essential service to Dromod and the surrounding area,” she added.

Cllr Maeve Reynolds seconded the motion, pointing out that Dromod is Leitrim’s only train station, as the Carrick-on-Shannon station is technically in Roscommon, and should not be bypassed. She also highlighted the “adequate” car parking at Dromod compared to Carrick-on-Shannon.

“Dromod is a very busy station and I could never see Iarnród Éireann even contemplating closing Dromod,” added Cllr Sean McGowan.

It was confirmed that correspondence will be issued to Iarnród Éireann on the matter.

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