Pelletstown station gets go-ahead

cronos · 22-07-2019 10:23pm

L1011 wrote: »

No progress on crossing closures and they aren't guaranteed to provide speed improvements anyway.

Electrification will provide speed improvements due to improved acceleration and later braking; although maybe not as much if they're hauling batteries.

You would imagine automating the barrier opening and closing at Ashtown would be a good first step. Then building the bridge at Ashtown over the current crossing. Think that's been in the plans for a while.

L1011 · 22-07-2019 10:53pm

Automation is extremely expensive and won't be done to a gate that is going to be removed entirely.

All crossings are meant to be removed with electrification. If there are signalling changes it may improve speeds but not hugely - the electrification is the primary future speed boost itself.

cython · 23-07-2019 7:29am

cronos wrote: »

You would imagine automating the barrier opening and closing at Ashtown would be a good first step. Then building the bridge at Ashtown over the current crossing. Think that's been in the plans for a while.

That will really only serve to alleviate local road traffic, same as Clonsilla and Coolmine, due to the stations being adjacent to the crossing. No trains (bar non stop ones) should be appreciably slowed down any more than they'd already need to be going by these crossings.

In fact the irony of this station is that it erodes any potential line speed improvement by the last crossing closure, by putting a station almost exactly where that crossing was!

As already mentioned, electrification is more important than just the crossing closures to achieve improvements.

CatInABox · 23-07-2019 3:11pm

More info from that twitter account:

https://twitter.com/RCPCA1/status/1153660943823507459

✔Tenders being evaluated
✔Intended construction works will start in Autumn
✔Will take 18 months to complete

cronos · 23-07-2019 5:44pm

cython wrote: »

That will really only serve to alleviate local road traffic, same as Clonsilla and Coolmine, due to the stations being adjacent to the crossing. No trains (bar non stop ones) should be appreciably slowed down any more than they'd already need to be going by these crossings.

In fact the irony of this station is that it erodes any potential line speed improvement by the last crossing closure, by putting a station almost exactly where that crossing was!

As already mentioned, electrification is more important than just the crossing closures to achieve improvements.

Bring on electrification!

CatInABox · 16-09-2019 8:23pm

An update, of sorts. Planning permission extension requested.

https://twitter.com/RCPCA1/status/1173553179021205504

cronos · 17-09-2019 10:34am

CatInABox wrote: »

An update, of sorts. Planning permission extension requested.

https://twitter.com/RCPCA1/status/1173553179021205504

An extension till when? Does it impact the goal ove being complete in 18 months?

cougar · 17-09-2019 5:23pm

Having a quick look at the tender competition on eTendees it doesn't look like a contract has been awarded. I'd say the initial timelines are looking optimistic at this stage

CatInABox · 10-10-2019 10:57am

The construction of this station was specifically mentioned in the budget, with completion due in 2021. Apparently, construction is meant to start this year, not much time left.

See here.

IE 222 · 25-10-2019 9:55pm

With DART been expanded onto the line in the near future is it a missed opportunity not to design the station and clear the site for passing loops to be included at a future date. DART and the increased frequencies will have a major impact on Sligo services. The Northern and Wexford lines are clear examples of the operational restrictions caused by not having passing loops available.

cronos · 29-10-2019 11:10am

IE 222 wrote: »

With DART been expanded onto the line in the near future is it a missed opportunity not to design the station and clear the site for passing loops to be included at a future date. DART and the increased frequencies will have a major impact on Sligo services. The Northern and Wexford lines are clear examples of the operational restrictions caused by not having passing loops available.

I'd imagine they will do this at the ashtown station when they need to introduce the overpass.

IE 222 · 31-10-2019 12:28am

cronos wrote: »

I'd imagine they will do this at the ashtown station when they need to introduce the overpass.

Realistically the line should be quad at the very least from Broombridge to Ashtown. As you say there will be a major redevelopment of Ashtown in the future which could incorporate this and allow for quad tracking through the station and run up to Navan Rd station. No need to rebuild Broombridge but the quad tracking could start/finish just west of the station.

This would give a wide window for passing manoeuvres without speed restrictions for either services as the DARTS will have 2 stops on the section along with the actual running line in between.

L1011 · 31-10-2019 8:25am

None of that is going to happen

IE 222 · 31-10-2019 1:48pm

L1011 wrote: »

None of that is going to happen

Exactly, but it should. At the very least a station similar to clongriffin should be built. Users of the line should foresee and take note of the issues on the Northern and Wexford line due to Dart and be campaigning for these changes before it's too late.

Jamie2k9 · 17-02-2020 10:49pm

Construction starting in weeks with completion in mid 2021.

https://twitter.com/RCPCA1/status/1229514141599137792?s=20

Phil.x · 17-02-2020 10:54pm

Great, longer travelling times for the majority.

ongarboy · 18-02-2020 6:40pm

I do not understand the necessity for this station as there is only approx 2.4 km distance between Ashtown and Broombridge stations meaning any residents living between the two existing stations are no more than 1.2 kilometres away depending which of the stations are closer to where they live.

L1011 · 18-02-2020 6:42pm

ongarboy wrote: »

I do not understand the necessity for this station as there is only approx 2.4 km distance between Ashtown and Broombridge stations meaning any residents living between the two existing stations are no more than 1.2 kilometres away depending which of the stations are closer to where they live.

1.2km distance is enough to push people to their cars.

PhoenixParker · 18-02-2020 6:47pm

ongarboy wrote: »

I do not understand the necessity for this station as there is only approx 2.4 km distance between Ashtown and Broombridge stations meaning any residents living between the two existing stations are no more than 1.2 kilometres away depending which of the stations are closer to where they live.

People on the other side of the track (Ashington) are much further from both stations.

thomasj · 18-02-2020 7:27pm

ongarboy wrote: »

I do not understand the necessity for this station as there is only approx 2.4 km distance between Ashtown and Broombridge stations meaning any residents living between the two existing stations are no more than 1.2 kilometres away depending which of the stations are closer to where they live.

Need we remind ourselves that a father and young child lost their lives, taking a "shortcut" over the tracks and canal into Pelletstown. It may not seem much of a trek from ashington into Pelletstown/ashtown station , but the trek upto the navan road down to the halfway house and down over the railway tracks is considerable.

MJohnston · 18-02-2020 7:41pm

Anyone know if the footbridges they’re installing here are behind the CIE barriers? If they’re publicly accessible instead, it’d provide some sorely needed permeability for this whole area - for Pelletstown to access Ashington Park, and for Ashington to access the amenities around Pelletstown. When I lived in RCP (this was before the new bridge too), the disconnect between the two areas was really frustrating, given the birds eye proximity.

Zebra3 · 18-02-2020 8:28pm

ongarboy wrote: »

I do not understand the necessity for this station as there is only approx 2.4 km distance between Ashtown and Broombridge stations meaning any residents living between the two existing stations are no more than 1.2 kilometres away depending which of the stations are closer to where they live.

That's only people living directly between the two stations. Which is probably nobody, at best a handful.

PhoenixParker · 18-02-2020 9:03pm

MJohnston wrote: »

Anyone know if the footbridges they’re installing here are behind the CIE barriers? If they’re publicly accessible instead, it’d provide some sorely needed permeability for this whole area - for Pelletstown to access Ashington Park, and for Ashington to access the amenities around Pelletstown. When I lived in RCP (this was before the new bridge too), the disconnect between the two areas was really frustrating, given the birds eye proximity.

No barriers on the footbridge. As you note, it'll be great for access and connectivity.

Phil.x · 18-02-2020 11:14pm

L1011 wrote: »

1.2km distance is enough to push people to their cars.

I cycle more just to get to the train station. People in pelletstown could cycle into the city in no time at all.

bilbot79 · 18-02-2020 11:34pm

PhoenixParker wrote: »

No barriers on the footbridge. As you note, it'll be great for access and connectivity.

If only you could buy shares in Romayos - Royal Canal Park

L1011 · 18-02-2020 11:37pm

Phil.x wrote: »

I cycle more just to get to the train station. People in pelletstown could cycle into the city in no time at all.

You are wildly underestimating the laziness of the average person.

Zaph · 18-02-2020 11:39pm

Phil.x wrote: »

Great, longer travelling times for the majority.

I hope they intend putting more carriages on the trains, because they're already stretched to capacity at the moment during peak hours. I've seen people getting stuck on the train at Broombridge while they were trying to get off to connect with the Luas, simply because there were too many bodies in their way.

L1011 · 18-02-2020 11:41pm

Zaph wrote: »

I hope they intend putting more carriages on the trains, because they're already stretched to capacity at the moment during peak hours. I've seen people getting stuck on the train at Broombridge while they were trying to get off to connect with the Luas, simply because there were too many bodies in their way.

There are no extra carriages to go in to service.

There is a small order for additional 22000 series units in, these are the type used for some services to M3 Parkway. These will be clamoured for from all over the country so the benefit may not be noticed at all.

The new DART carriages for when the line is electrified have not been ordered yet.

Zaph · 18-02-2020 11:49pm

L1011 wrote: »

There are no extra carriages to go in to service.

There is a small order for additional 22000 series units in, these are the type used for some services to M3 Parkway. These will be clamoured for from all over the country so the benefit may not be noticed at all.

Yeah, I knew about the order for new stock, but without being totally flippant, where do Irish Rail expect all the extra passengers to go, on the roofs of the trains? You certainly won't fit too many more bodies on some of the trains I get to and from Docklands.

L1011 wrote: »

The new DART carriages for when the line is electrified have not been ordered yet.

I'm not holding my breath for that. I moved to D15 in 2004, with one of the main attractions being that the line would be electrified "within the next few years". I reckon I'll be retired before it finally happens.

bilbot79 · 18-02-2020 11:54pm

Phil.x wrote: »

I cycle more just to get to the train station. People in pelletstown could cycle into the city in no time at all.

And along the canal too. One of the most traffic free routes

Funkyjaw · 19-02-2020 6:07pm

Construction has started on the Ashington Park side of the canal, removing a lot of trees. Seems a bit excessive. I thought it was just a footbridge from the Ashington side and a cycle path.

Infini · 21-02-2020 11:36am

L1011 wrote: »

1.2km distance is enough to push people to their cars.

Its a 15 to 20 min walk to Ashtown from ashington so definately not worth it, even further to the Luas from that side because your forced to walk around, the new setup makes a big difference and means less hassle for many not to mention the new bridge puts the Luas closer to many in Ashington.

Funkyjaw wrote: »

Construction has started on the Ashington Park side of the canal, removing a lot of trees. Seems a bit excessive. I thought it was just a footbridge from the Ashington side and a cycle path.

Alot of that is in the way not to mention the wasteland and ditches that need to be cleared out, also some feckers would hide behind those bushes acting up as well, there's nothing of value lost by clearing out all of this.

coco7 · 21-02-2020 11:54am

Infini wrote: »

Its a 15 to 20 min walk to Ashtown from ashington so definately not worth it, even further to the Luas from that side because your forced to walk around, the new setup makes a big difference and means less hassle for many not to mention the new bridge puts the Luas closer to many in Ashington..

Does anyone know if the foot bridge will open earlier than train station? It will open up the canal area for residents on Ashington side and as you mention gives easier access to the Broombridge Luas and to cyclists how might want to use the canal to get into town.

Eric Cartman · 21-02-2020 12:51pm

Zaph wrote: »

I'm not holding my breath for that. I moved to D15 in 2004, with one of the main attractions being that the line would be electrified "within the next few years". I reckon I'll be retired before it finally happens.

An estate agent told my da a similar thing in the mid 80s when he bought his house in leixlip, thought it would be a great amenity and ‘sure therell be a dart every 20 minutes, get to work in no time at all’, he retires next year.

LeinsterDub · 21-02-2020 12:59pm

Phil.x wrote: »

I cycle more just to get to the train station. People in pelletstown could cycle into the city in no time at all.

Any many more would if it's wasn't so dangerous

LeinsterDub · 21-02-2020 1:00pm

Eric Cartman wrote: »

An estate agent told my da a similar thing in the mid 80s when he bought his house in leixlip, thought it would be a great amenity and ‘sure therell be a dart every 20 minutes, get to work in no time at all’, he retires next year.

Some tax cuts will get Dart expansion built won't they?

Eric Cartman · 21-02-2020 1:03pm

LeinsterDub wrote: »

Some tax cuts will get Dart expansion built won't they?

Privatising the lot might...

LeinsterDub · 21-02-2020 1:19pm

Eric Cartman wrote: »

Privatising the lot might...

How much rail has private industry paid for in the UK? How many franchises have been bailed out?

Hurrache · 21-02-2020 10:40pm

LeinsterDub wrote: »

Any many more would if it's wasn't so dangerous

It's not, they've one of the safer commutes right into the city with it being on the canal.

LeinsterDub · 22-02-2020 12:18am

Hurrache wrote: »

It's not, they've one of the safer commutes right into the city with it being on the canal.

Safer being very much relative. It's scary dark on the canals with a lot of pinch points and then you end up at the five lamps which is one of the worst road in Dublin.

So for a good portion of it you only have to worry about being jumped rather than crushed which is safer I suppose

AlekSmart · 22-02-2020 2:10pm

LeinsterDub wrote: »

Safer being very much relative. It's scary dark on the canals with a lot of pinch points and then you end up at the five lamps which is one of the worst road in Dublin.

So for a good portion of it you only have to worry about being jumped rather than crushed which is safer I suppose

Not a Cyclist myself,but is it worth asking if similar problems exist in,for example Holland ?

Are there any posters with direct comparative experience ?

Hurrache · 22-02-2020 11:46pm

LeinsterDub wrote: »

Safer being very much relative. It's scary dark on the canals with a lot of pinch points and then you end up at the five lamps which is one of the worst road in Dublin.

So for a good portion of it you only have to worry about being jumped rather than crushed which is safer I suppose

It's not scary dark really, I do it regularly. And at this pont of the year it's bright in the morning and evenings. At the height of winter you have lighting.

It brings you out at Whitworth Road, and the way the lights work you then get a free run to Dorset Street before mixing it up with traffic.

You're nowhere near 5 Lamps.

And stop reading tabloids, social media or listening to Joe Duffy , the only people you need to watch out for are the throngs of cyclists and walkers at both rush hours.

I've no idea where else you get your false impression from.

LeinsterDub · 23-02-2020 10:30am

Hurrache wrote: »

It's not scary dark really, I do it regularly. And at this pont of the year it's bright in the morning and evenings. At the height of winter you have lighting.

It brings you out at Whitworth Road, and the way the lights work you then get a free run to Dorset Street before mixing it up with traffic.

You're nowhere near 5 Lamps.

And stop reading tabloids, social media or listening to Joe Duffy , the only people you need to watch out for are the throngs of cyclists and walkers at both rush hours.

I've no idea where else you get your false impression from.

For someone talking about Joe Duffy you've no idea what you're talking about. The canal path carries on past the Whitworth Rd, past Croke Park to the 5 lamps.
I've cycled it that's where I get my accurate impression. Something you clearly haven't. Also it's not dark when it's bright out? Well that's a wonderful observation

MJohnston · 23-02-2020 3:04pm

Alright, calm down lads. It’s a decent cycling route but needs improvements, that’s not a controversial thing and there are published plans for it. Those improvements wil be welcomed by all users, and make cycling along here much more safe and suitable.

superleedsdub · 25-02-2020 11:42am

So I've read this morning that construction is starting today on the station at Pelletstown. I commute daily from Clonsilla station to Connolly and have the following concerns/queries

1. At rush hour, Trains are already full or close to full (standing and seating capacity) well before they would arrive at this new station.
2. Will the proposed DART trains add extra capacity to the routes? (will these trains have toilets as current DART's don't)
3. If not, what are the plans to add extra capacity?
4. Beyond the peaktimes website and the small carriage addition to the national infrastructure, what are the plans for the commuter routes?
5. Multiple Housing developments are under construction on commuter routes, are an Bord Planala, the various councils and Transport for Ireland co-ordinating on this?

L1011 · 25-02-2020 12:11pm

2: Yes, units will be the same size or slightly larger than the 8 car 29000 series commuter trains going on the tender docs - plenty of services are run by 3/4 car 22000s or 4 car 29000s currently. There will also be a higher frequency service.
The public tender documents do not mention toilets in either the positive or negative so that bits impossible to answer.
4: There aren't any
5: TII are fully aware of every new development. Doesn't mean anything is being done beyond the DART planning. I would expect some reinforcement of bus services but probably not a lot.

DoctorPan · 25-02-2020 1:26pm

L1011 wrote: »

The public tender documents do not mention toilets in either the positive or negative so that bits impossible to answer.

Peter Smythe in his Engineer Ireland talks has mentioned the new DARTs will have toliets due to the longer runs they'll be expected to run.

Jamie2k9 · 25-02-2020 1:38pm

Will be toilets, it will just be a 2900 on power that includes a split of 8 and 4 car.

superleedsdub · 25-02-2020 2:26pm

Good to know, thanks guys

Manion · 30-06-2020 8:54pm

Zebra3 wrote: »

That's only people living directly between the two stations. Which is probably nobody, at best a handful.

I believe it's close to 243 Units have been built in the Ballymore part of Royal canal park with more under construction. This part would be the the area directly served. However it's the residents of Ashington who will benefit the most, neither Broombrdige nor Ashtown are particularly accessible. The foot bridge would make those stations more of an option but again it''s limited. A 1Km radius from the new station south of the canal brings in a big catchment area almost as far as the park and north of the canal brings in some of the more populous parts of Finglas. If you would like to learn more about this, the planning permission has a full report on catchment.

Btw, yeah, it doesn't help me, I already walk to broombridge for royal canal park.

Pelletstown station gets go-ahead

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