2007 Survey Results
Following discussions with representatives of the Kinnegad Community Council, Westmeath County Council commissioned a representative of Athlone Institute of Technology to complete a study of the potential for re-opening the Killucan railway station. In a meeting with Iarnród Éireann in July 2007, it was recommended that the study should be broadened to consider other potential locations for a railway station between Mullingar and Enfield, such as Hill of Down in County Meath. Subsequently, discussions were held with representatives of Meath County Council Executive about their support for a broader study. It was then decided that Meath and Westmeath County Councils would support an expanded study of the potential for re-opening a railway station between Mullingar and Enfield that would include consideration of both the old Hill of Down and Killucan stations.
The aim of the study is to prepare a report to be presented to Iarnród Éireann about the prospect of commuters to Dublin using a railway
station on the Sligo-Dublin line between Mullingar and Enfield. The study aims to determine likely rail traffic demand for a railway station
from commuters in large settlements close to the railway line, such as Ballivor, Killucan-Rathwire, and Kinnegad. In addition, the study reviews recent and expected growth in population levels within the rail-catchment area, as well as considering existing public transport options.
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Enough rail commuters to Dublin were identified to cover station refurbishment costs of at least €10m.
- At minimum, approximately 229 commuters to Dublin from the housing developments in Ballivor, Killucan-Rathwire, and Kinnegad definitely would use a rail service from the Hill of Down station, if it were to be provided.
- Approximately, 98 additional commuters to Dublin probably would use a rail service from the Hill of Down station.
- Similarly, at minimum, approximately 232 commuters to Dublin from the same housing developments definitely would use a rail service from the station at Killucan, if it were to be provided.
- Approximately, 79 additional commuters to Dublin probably would use a rail service from the Killucan station.
- Only 19 commuters to Dublin would be required to cover the operational costs of an unmanned station, assuming that all commuters travelled on monthly tickets and purchased 12 tickets in a year.
- Approximately 208 commuters to Dublin per week in the first year of operation, and growing thereafter at 2% per year, would financially
cover station refurbishment costs of €10m over a 30-year time period. The population of the railway station catchment area has grown rapidly.
- Ballivor's population grew by 52.7% from 1,200 in 2002 to 1,607 in 2006 which equates to an annual growth rate of 7.6%.
- Killucan-Rathwire's population grew by 21.4% from 1,028 in 2002 to 1,248 in 2006, effectively growing by 5.0% per year.
- Kinnegad's population grew by 65.6% from 1,429 in 2002 to 2,366 in 2006 which is an annual growth rate of 13.4% per year.
- The overall population of electoral districts contained within a 10km radius from Hill of Down and Killucan stations has grown by 28.9% and
26.6%, respectively, from 2002 to 2006. The old railway stations in the area are in varying states of condition.
- The Hill of Down station is located on a strip of land between the Royal Canal and the railway line which is single tracked. All that remains is
the platform, as the station buildings appear to have been dismantled.
- The Killucan station is located at a level crossing. It has two platforms and the line is double tracked through the station. There are a number
of old buildings in the station, and the signal box has been maintained.
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