Independent TD for Laois, Brian Stanley, has called on Iarnrod Eireann to upgrade facilities at Portlaoise Train Station.
Deputy Stanley pointed out that as Laois’s population has risen, so too has the number of people commuting from the county for work.
He said: “The population of Laois has increased dramatically over the past two decades, with the result that the number of commuters using the station for work, education and pleasure purposes has ballooned over this period.
“With the increased frequency and quality of trains which must be welcomed, it has now become a preferred means of transport many for people.
“Commuters are now also more inclined to use train transport to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Deputy Stanley outlined the major issues that he sees at Portlaoise Train Station.
He said: “Currently the Station lacks adequate rain shelters, with only 2 small shelters and a small waiting room on platform 2, and only a small waiting room on platform 1.
“At busy commuter times there could be 100 to 200 people waiting for a train.
“On a wet morning the vast majority are left without a shelter from heavy rain, and this is unacceptable at a time when we are trying to encourage people to use public transport.
“The facilities at Station do not have capacity for commuters who use the Train Service.
“Toilet facilities are also lacking at the Station, with only one cubicle available.
“Extra toilets are required on both platforms and disability access also needs to be improved, particularly for wheelchair users, who sometimes complain about the lift been out of order.”
Deputy Stanley says he has already engaged with management on the issue and intends to do so again.
He said: “I have already raised this with Iarnrod Eireann, and I will now engage further with their Management, in an effort to have facilities improved.
“If we are serious about improving rail transport, facilities at stations such as Ballybrophy, Portlaoise and Portarlington need to keep pace.”
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