A Laois train station is set for a major expansion after planning permission was granted by Laois County Council.
Ballybrophy Train Station, located between Borris-In-Ossory and Rathdowney, is set for works.
Iarnród Éireann recently received permission and a grant from Laois County Council for a carpark expansion at Ballybrophy Train Station.
This much needed addition will not only increase parking at station from 25 spaces to 96 spaces but will also see improvements to footpaths and provision for more bicycle parking.
Brian Connelly Builders Ltd has been awarded the contract and site works will commence shortly with a completion date of Summer, 2022.
The works will be completed in a number of phases but access to the station car park will not be affected.
Ballybrophy Station sees 13 services operating daily on weekdays to and from Dublin Heuston, and also serves as the interchange point for Ballybrophy to Limerick services via Nenagh.
The service will also benefit from ongoing line improvement works on the Dublin-Cork line, which ultimately will deliver improved journey times for customers.
Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Conor Bergin, welcomed the news.
He said: “I very much welcome the news that Laois County Council has given the green light to Irish Rail for a carpark expansion at Ballybrophy Train Station.
“It is hoped that these works will commence soon and be fully completed by next Summer.
“Lack of car parking spaces at the station has been a major issue for both rail users (such as commuters and students) who use Ballybrophy train station on a daily basis, as well as local residents living on the station road.
“These proposed works will hopefully alleviate the car parking issues at the station. “
