Campaign History

• 2003
  The campaign was originally started to help alleviate the 'sleeper' problem in Kinnegad, where cars are abandoned on the main street by workers commuting to Dublin city.




• 2004
  In spring 2004, a development officer on the Sligo line came to meet with the action group and he agreed that for a small investment a park and ride facility at Killucan was a real possibility. The action group have since pursued this through three ministers, and a whole range of Iarnrod Eireann directors. We have been told that when the capacity increases on the line and the population base is sufficient then a station is a real possibility.
  
  A grant of €5000 was approved by Westmeath County Council for a feasibility study on the potential re-opening of Killucan station.




• 2006
  Meath County Council agreed to grant a further €5000 for the feasibility study on both Killucan and the Hill of Down. This study was subsequently commissioned and carried out by a representative of the Athlone Institute of Technology.




• 2007
  The Minister for Transport and Maritime Affairs responded in August 2007 to a previously sent letter. In his response he said that the location of stations on the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Eireann and that Iarnród Eireann are analysing the results of a study on the proposal that was submitted to them by Westmeath and Meath County Councils. He went on to say that Iarnród Eireann agree that there is the potential for a park and ride site west of Enfield, the viability of such a station being critically dependent on train capacity on the corridor which is currently at full capacity.
  
  He also said that from September 2007, the new high specification intercity railcars will gradually be introduced onto the Dublin/Sligo line. These will see the removal from service of all older rolling stock and the provision of clock face timetabling on all intercity routes. They will also increase capacity and comfort on the line. The introduction of the new timetable in December will see an increase in services on the Dublin to Sligo line.
  
  He finally said that Iarnród Eireann has undertaken to keep the matter of re-opening the station under review over the next few years.




• 2008
  Minister Noel Dempsey notes that while the project is not part of Transport-21, it is being kept under review.
  
  The CEO of Irish Rail has confirmed that he will request that his Strategy & Planning Manager meet the campaign committee.
  
  On Saturday 29^th March at the station site in Killucan, the Committee launched a newsletter, song, postcard campaign and this website. Hundreds of supporters attended the open-air proceedings despite the clement weather. Events were preceded with live music courtesy of Seán Coffey and followed by refreshments & entertainment courtesy of Cunningham's pub & shop.
  
  On Tuesday 26^th August, RTÉ News reporter Ciarán Mullooly did a 2 minute report on the Killucan Station campaign on the 9pm bulletin. During the report, Denis Leonard presented the arguments for re-opening the station. Download the video report here, viewers will need to have Real Player installed.
  
  In October 2008, Killucan Kinnegad Transport Lobby Group produced a set of plans and a quantity surveyor’s report which states that even though it could cost about €2 million to completely refurbish the station, one platform, a shelter and adjacent parking could be introduced for less than half that cost. The rest could be completed on a phased basis given that Irish Rail owns all the land in question.
  The group is hopeful that local companies like Lagan Cement, agencies like FAS and bodies like Irish rail, Westmeath County Council, the IDA and the Dept of Transport can join in a cooperative effort to open the Station.




• 2009
  A public meeting is took place on Fri 6th Feb 2009 at 8:30 pm in Rathwire Hall. Despite very poor road conditions on the night, a good attendance of local supporters and politicians was observed. The group want to ensure that Killucan Station is included in the review of Transport 21, which is taking place this year.
  
  A public meeting took place on Thu 12th March 2009 at 8:30 pm in the Hilamar Hotel, Kinnegad. The action group presented to TDs and MEPs in an effort to engage support from the EU in terms of getting more people off the road and transporting more goods by rail. The meeting was be attended by James Bannon TD, Marian Harkin MEP and Jim Higgins MEP.
  
  In March, and subsequent to meeting with a host of Councellors, TDs and MEPs, Killucan Kinnegad Transport Lobby Group issued a letter to the Minister of Transport.
  
  In December 2009, the Minister for Transport stated in a letter that the matter of re-opening Killucan Station is entirely an issue for Irish Rail and he has no involvement in setting their development priorities.




• 2010
  In January 2010, delegates from the action group met with Irish Rail. Irish Rail stated that they are not against a station but have no subvention funding at present. Irish Rail asked for clarification from Westmeath County Council around planning and the potential for shuttle bus links - the action group shall request a meeting with the county Council to clarify their position.
  
  A public meeting is took place on Mon 1st Feb 2010 at 8pm in Cunningham's Pub, Killucan. The action group are intending to engage in awareness raising activities around St Patrick’s Day 2010 and the Annual Killucan Vintage Rally.