Plans for new car parking spaces at Kildare town train station

19 brand-new car parking spaces are being planned for Kildare town train station.

Irish Rail has said that adding an additional 19 car parking spaces to Kildare town train station, along with active travel and public transport facilities, is a priority project for them in 2024.

The organisation revealed the news to Kildare Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy, in response to a parliamentary question she asked in the Dáil on behalf of her party colleague, Pat Balfe, who resides in Monasterevin.

Mr Balfe, who is contesting the June local elections in the Kildare Local Electoral Area, welcomed the news, adding: "The works will also include additional e-charging spaces and associated facilities.

“Improvements to the facilities at all of Kildare’s train stations is vital if we are to get more people using public transport instead of their cars."

He also said: "This is the only real way to tackle traffic congestion, and will play a vital role in the fight against climate change."

Irish Rail said that it provides charging facilities, in partnership with the ESB, at 44 train station car parks across the rail network — including Hazelhatch, although not in Maynooth.

"Our approach is to include e-charging facilities when constructing new or extending existing car parks," Irish Rail told Deputy Murphy: "We do not have a specific 2024 budget allocation for the installation of charging points."

However, Mr Balfe said that it was 'disappointing' that Irish Rail does not have a budget for charging points at train stations for 2024.

According to Mr Balfe: "As a nation we really need to get better at integrating our transport systems, whether it’s rail, bus, private cars or cycling — especially in a high-population county like Kildare where so many rely on public transport every day."

Pat Balfe standing outside Kildare town train station. Photograph supplied by Pat Balfe.