Passengers had to jump over walls at Clara Station

Irish Rail passengers had to climb over walls and squeeze through bushes to get in and out of a locked Clara Station on two separate over the Christmas period, according to local reports.

Passengers and politicians are calling for the re-introduction of staff at the unmanned station following a number of problems in recent months that culiminated with early morning passengers having to find alternative routes in and out of the locked station over Christmas.

 It has also been reported that on a number of separate dates passengers arrived at the station to find that the waiting room was closed.

While passengers were able to access the platform there was limited shelter from the elements.

 Passengers were prevented from accessing the station's public toilet which is located in the main public.

It is believed that Irish Rail took the decision to keep the waiting room closed following a number of anti-social incidents involving youths.

It has also been reported that another occasion recently a young person with special needs was forced to travel to Athlone after he was unable to open the door on his carriage. By the time the young man, who used to be assited by Irish Rail staff when the station was manned, reached the door neighbouring carriage the train had started to pull off.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent this week, Deputy Barry Cowen said that he requested a meeting with Irish Rail management to discuss the problems at the station.

"The station doesn't seem to be being administered appropriately. This is not conducive to the sort of service that you would expect especially at the time when we are trying to encourage people to use public transport.

“There are times that the gate is locked and that the ticket machine doesn't work. It's not as it should be. The station serves all of West Offaly. It's hard enough for commuters without putting more obstacles in their ways.”

 The Offaly Independent contacted Irish Rail for a comment, but at the time of writing had not received a reply.