4.1 FUTURE
DEVELOPMENT POPULATION AND GROWTH OF MONASTEREVIN. The population of Monasterevin according to
the 1996 Census was 2,842 persons. The current figure is
in excess of this, approximately 3,000. The target figure
in the Kildare County Development Plan is 3,500 by
2006. The current and projected private housing
developments will result in an increase of 25% to 40% in
population within the time frame. This complements
Kildare County Council policy to promote development to
the south and centre of the county.
As Monasterevin is located on the borders of Counties
Laois and Offaly, a considerable number of passengers
availing of the rail service will come from the areas
within those counties adjacent to the boundaries.
4.2 THE
BENEFITS OF A RAILWAY STATION TO MONASTEREVIN
A railway service would
accelerate the development of Monasterevin as a
commuter town. It would stimulate further growth
in business and industry. Tourism would also
develop, as the railway station is adjacent to
the network of waterways and the park in the
town.
As a town within the commuter
belt, the population of Monasterevin will expand.
The town is already equipped with schools and
social facilities to cater for a larger
population. The upgrading of the water scheme
(1999) and the sewerage system (2000) will enable
extensive development to occur.
The railway station would allow
for a more balanced development of the town. It
could become the focal point for redevelopment of
a neglected end of Monasterevin and in so
doing reduce congestion on the Dublin Road.
It would encourage residents to
commute without the need for a second family car.
This is in line with all transport policies, and
would reduce the pressure on the roads.
Commuting time to Dublin would be
reduced to 40/45 minutes. This is a marked
improvement and would increase passenger usage
and population increases for the town.
The disadvantaged people of
Monasterevin and surrounding area would
experience a greater level of social inclusion as
a result of accessibility to the rail
network becoming available to them, thereby
providing them with greater mobility.
|
Entrance
To Platform 2
|
4.3
SURVEY FINDINGS
The survey carried out by Action South Kildare
Ltd. demonstrates that,
That there are approximately 270
city bound commuters travelling from Monasterevin
on a daily basis. Of those surveyed 95% would use
the railway station.
Taking a conservative estimate
from the population there would be a total of 315
daily train users.
From 24 businesses surveyed 112
people travel to work in Monasterevin, who could
avail of the re-opened station.
A minimum of 16 new jobs would
result from the re-opening of the station.
There is no valid reason not to
re-commission the Railway Station.
This survey justifies the re-opening of
Monasterevin Railway Station.
The committee and the people of Monasterevin ask
for a commitment from the Government and Iarnród
Éireann for the re-opening of our station within an
agreed timescale.
[ Home | Foreword | Monasterevin | Transport Policy | Summary | Images ]
|