TD seeks funding pledge for second Clara train station platform

Local TD Carol Nolan has called on the Government to provide funding for a second platform at Clara train station in order to expand rail services to the Offaly town.

The Independent Dáil deputy was speaking during a Dáil debate on public transport this week.

"The motion we debated made several welcome references to the All Island Strategic Rail Review, and the manner in which the review outlines economic and social benefits. That is why I think it is important to raise ongoing issues with Clara Train Station," she said.

"As one of my constituents has noted through his extensive research on this issue, Clara was once the location of two railway stations and two railway junctions, one branching off the main line to Mullingar, and the other branching off the main line to Banagher.

"It has been built beside what is called a passing loop. This means that both trains serving the station at the same time can allow passengers to embark/disembark. Unfortunately, and bizarrely, in Clara, this does not happen.

"It is currently the case that only the train using the main track can allow passengers to board or alight. The train using the passing loop stops, but, because it does not have a platform, passengers cannot enter or exit. This makes no sense.

"It also means that many people from the Clara railway station catchment area (which includes Clara, Moate, Rahan, Ballycumber, Kilbeggan, Tubber and Ferbane) who would like to use a specific service, cannot do so."

She said she was now calling on the Government "to provide the capital cost of constructing the second platform" in Clara.

"The motion we debated also calls on Government to outline in the Revised National Development Plan those recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review that the Government plans to deliver by 2030.

"It is vital that Government pledges to ensure that Clara Tran Station is included in the projects that will be delivered by that date," concluded Deputy Nolan.