This article is from page 33 of the 2008-05-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 33 JPG
THE railway station in Sixmilebri- dge is poised to reopen within the next 12 months, after an absence of more than 30 years.
That was the message delivered by Clare County Council, in response to a query on the matter last week.
Local Fine Gael councillor John Crowe asked for an update on the project and queried when works would commence.
He specifically sought a date for
the reopening of the station, which locals have sought for a considerable period of time.
In response, acting senior engi- neer with the council, John Bradley pointed out that the council has been working in close co-operation with CIE, with regard to the re-opening of the former station.
“The station lands and railway house has been recently acquired by the council. It is planned to provide a park and ride facility in conjunction with the opening of the said railway
station,” said Mr Bradley.
“CIE have advised that funding has been provided in the 2008/2009 budgetary cycles for the upgrading of CIE’s infrastructural requirements and it is anticipated that the pas- senger rail service will open some time during 2009. No fixed dates are available for the scheduled opening of the facility,” added Mr Bradley.
Councillor Crowe said he was pleased with the response.
“IT am very happy with the re- sponse. At the end of the day, we can
see light at the end of the tunnel,” he pointed out.
‘“T would be hoping it would re-open next March or April. It will benefit the entire east Clare area as people can drive to Sixmilebridge and get the train to Limerick or Galway,” he added.
“The people of Sixmilebridge are thrilled with the update,” he said.
“Efforts have been made to get this re-opened for about lO years now, when petitions were signed,’ said Councillor Crowe.