Wednesday 23 January 2008

Full steam ahead as Phoenix Park rail station opens at former racecourse

A NEW rail station opened yesterday in Dublin's Phoenix Park to cater for more than 2,300 houses expected to be built on the former racecourse there.

The €7m station was fully paid for by developers Flynn and O'Flaherty who are building the homes.

Rail services will link commuters to Connolly, Tara Street and Pearse stations, as well as to the new Docklands station.

In addition, workers and students using the station will be directly linked to NUI Maynooth, Intel Leixlip and Drumcondra.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey, who opened the station, said it was the latest example of the provision of quality public transport links for new communities.

The Maynooth commuter line is the fastest-growing commuter corridor in the greater Dublin area, and new services have been added to the timetable in tandem with the Phoenix Park Station opening.

The line is expected to be upgraded to Dart status and eventually become the Maynooth to Bray Dart line.

The Phoenix Park station's design provides an elevated passenger concourse area over the rail line.

A public transport interchange is provided with bus services on the Navan Road, and there is also a 100-space car park.

The station is a key part of the infrastructure and facilities for the e1.5bn Phoenix Park Racecourse development.

Treacy Hogan Environment Correspondent

www.buckplanning.ie

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