13-year-old train station that never opened is now in need of a €3.8million refurbishment

Construction was completed in 2009, but some of the housing developments stalled during the recession and the station has been idle ever since.

Promises to open it were unsuccessful. Irish Rail now says it intends to have it operational towards the end of 2023.

The latest delay is due to the refurbishment and modernization needed to bring the building and facilities up to date – the work will cost €3.8million, according to Irish Rail.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) admitted it did not realize the scale of the work required.

“It was news to us that such an upgrade was required,” said Hugh Creegan, NTA’s vice president.

“But when it’s finished, we have to open this station.”

The station is on the Dublin-Kildare line between Clondalkin/Fonthill and Adamstown commuter stations.

Fine Gael TD Emer Higgins told a recent Transport Committee meeting of the frustration felt by residents and commuters in a large and congested part of Lucan at having a train within reach but seeing it go through and not being able to stop even though there was a station.

“It’s there, it’s built, it’s working, it even has a car park and it could be used to serve a really growing area, but it’s still not open,” Ms Higgins said.

Irish Rail said it intended to start work on the station towards the end of this year, with a completion time of a year.

“Extensive work is required to bring the station into operation, including meeting today’s accessibility and system requirements that go beyond the original requirements,” it said.

Wear and tear and vandalism have also caused the station to deteriorate over the past 13 years, it said.

“Work will include elevator replacement, refurbishment or replacement of all mechanical, electrical and telecommunications wiring and equipment, interior and exterior wall work, replacement of floor areas, damaged ramps and tactile tiles, path and paving repairs, updated signage and station furniture , additional security fences and other minor works.

“The investment amounts to 3.8 million euros.”