A commuter at Sallins station yesterday

Sallins and Naas railway station has been undergoing maintenance and upgrade works for the past several months and installation of a new footbridge and ramp has almost completed.

Whilst welcoming the upgrade, spokesperson for NASRUG (Naas and Sallins Rail Users Group) James Lawless said it was important the station retain the same level of facilities after the upgrade as beforehand or it risked defeating the purpose. “Well obviously the disability access is most welcome and was very important and we lobbied for that for some years before we got it” said James. “But as part of the process they removed the shelters which means people were literally kept waiting in the rain, hail and snow all through the winter months”.

“People could put up with that over a limited period but we are still wondering when and what kind of shelters will be installed at the finish” said James. “With the weather not exactly being Summery this is still a live issue and I am concerned that the new replacement shelters when they eventually arrive will be smaller and fewer than what we had before. Considering the new Adamstown station which still has low passenger volumes has almost a dozen shelters installed, with the much greater numbers at Sallins we need at least the previous capacity of platform shelters restored at Sallins” explained James. “I have raised this with Irish Rail management and I am hopeful they will now ensure these form part of the finished upgrade over the next few weeks. Anything less than the two Dublin bound shelters that previously existed would be a step backwards”.

James also criticised the council planning process – “It’s not clear from the planning permissions that much attention was given to use and role of Shelters in the upgraded station” said James. “The council did stipulate what colour of paint was allowed on the railings but do not appear to have mandated that at least the same level of shelter as before should be provided. Commuting can be trying at the best of times but at 7.30am standing in the lashing rain with not a shelter in sight is no fun at all. It’s a basic requirement and I hope now Irish Rail and Kildare County Council will ensure it is delivered” James concluded.