An unused train station in west Dublin will need a €3.8 million refurbishment before it can become operational.
Kishoge station cost €6.35 million to build, but it failed to open after nearby housing developments stalled during the recession.
According to the Irish Independent, Irish Rail now says it intends to have the train station up and running by the end of 2023.
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The station is located between Clondalkin/Fonthill and Adamstown stations and was built in 2008 to serve a planned 1,000 homes in the Clonburris area.
Fine Gael TD Emer Higgins recently told a Transport Committee meeting about the frustration felt by residents over the unopened train station.
She said: “It’s there, it’s built, it’s working, it even has a car park and it could be used to serve what is a really growing area but it’s still not open.”
Irish Rail said it intended to start work towards the end of this year.
A spokesperson said: “There are extensive works needed to bring the station into service, including meeting present-day accessibility and systems requirements which are above and beyond the original requirements.
“Works will include lift replacement, renewal or replacement of all mechanical, electrical and telecoms cables and equipment, internal and external wall works, replacement of flooring areas, damaged ramps and tactile tiling, paths and paving repairs, up-to-date signage and station furniture, additional security fencing and other minor works.
“The investment will total €3.8 million.”
Former local councillor William Lavelle previously told Dublin Live the Lucan area is “crippled by traffic congestion”.
He said: “It is therefore incredible, indeed scandalous, to think that this station, which is widely reported to have cost €6.35 million to build, continues to lie idle for nearly seven years, despite being located within a short walking distance of multiple Lucan housing estates.”
“Kishoge is the last ‘ghost station’ left unopened in Dublin.”
Irish Rail plans for the station to be operational in 2023.
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