Minister says train station for North Drogheda 'makes a lot of sense'

Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien has indicated that a new train station for North Drogheda "makes a lot of sense". 

The comments came after a meeting between the Minister, Louth County Council Chief Executive David Conway, Drogheda & District Chamber CEO Hubert Murphy, as well as Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan and Senator Alison Comyn. 

The meeting focused on a range of critical infrastructure priorities for County Louth, including the Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR), bridge over the railway line, the proposed northside railway station for Drogheda, the Ardee Bypass, M1 tolling and active travel.

Senator Comyn described the meeting as "important and constructive". 

"I’m encouraged by the positive response to the proposals put forward, particularly in relation to the northside railway station and funding for Phase 3 of the PANCR. There is a clear understanding now of just how critical these projects are for Drogheda and the wider Louth area."

“I have been raising the need for a second railway station since I entered the Seanad, and I will continue to push for its delivery. With the level of growth we are seeing, this is not something that can be delayed any further — it is essential infrastructure,” she said.

The M1 toll into Drogheda was also discussed at the meeting with Senator Comyn saying "viable and practical solutions" were explored to address what she described as "an issue which continues to impact commuters and businesses across the region”.

Senator Comyn said the Minister is aware that the continued expansion of Drogheda and the wider Louth area has placed increasing pressure on existing infrastructure, particularly in relation to transport and connectivity. 

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"The people of Louth deserve investment that matches the pace of development in our communities."

"I am committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure these projects move from discussion to delivery and will next meet with Minister for Housing James Browne to follow up on the funding application for the bridge, under the €1 billion Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund," she said. 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.