Clara rail station set to become self-service

Irish Rail has confirmed that Clara Railway Station is to become self-service by the end of the year.

"There is a ticket vending machine at the station where customers can collect pre-booked tickets or purchase tickets," said the statement from Irish Rail.

"Those with a free travel pass may board the train with their pass and show this on board or at their destination station," it continued.

"There will also be Customer Service Officers on board trains calling at Clara, who will assist those with accessibility needs getting onto the train and will be happy to answer any other queries that customer may have."

However, newly elected Cathaoirleach of Tullamore District, Clara councillor Frank Moran called the move by Irish Rail "disingenuous and disappointing".

"This a step backwards for Clara. We received a deputation from Irish Rail back in April when this was first mooted. 

“Myself and Dervill Dolan questioned the validity behind it and were assured there were statistics to back the self-service move up.

"We asked for the data behind it and instead of releasing those statistics to us, they released a statement to the press instead.

"We were assured that there would be someone on the train who would deal with passengers as they got on in Clara, but at peak times it is very hard to see how this will work. 

“And you cannot get through the barrier in Dublin without a train ticket.

"This is a big facility for Clara and it's not too long ago there was talk of a second platform in Clara because the station was so busy.

"It also takes the social aspect out of it for persons aged over 65 who will be using the service, who enjoy the chat with the local man on the ground."

Of his term ahead as Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District, Cllr Moran says there are three pertinent things he wishes to achieve in the next twelve months, including the footbridge linking Clara Library to the boardwalk, the low-cost safety measures at the Mill junction in Clara, and to progress the Town and Village renewal schemes for Clara and Ballycumber.