Row raging over castlebar railway station closures

IRISH Rail has denied reports that Castlebar Railway Station is being left without staff during peak times.

The company insisted there have been no changes to staffing levels despite concerns about the station raised by local Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne. 

Speaking to The Connaught Telegraph, Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said the station is left without staff at peak times, causing grave difficulties for elderly and disabled passengers. 

'People travelling to Dublin are left standing in the rain because neither the waiting room nor the public toilets are open. There was nobody manning he station last Monday or August Bank Holiday. This is unacceptable and a further downgrading of the county town,' he hit out.

However, Irish Rail spokesman Barry Kenny has responded by stating there has been no change in the staffing levels at Castlebar Railway Station.

If a staff member is absent, cover is sought from Westport, but he this is not always possible – particularly at this time of year as staff take annual leave.

Mr. Kenny said unmanned station houses cannot be left open due to fears over anti-social behaviour.

He admitted that Irish Rail significantly reduced its workforce during the downturn, as its priority was to maintain train services, and said services have in fact been increased on the Mayo-Dublin line, with growth in passenger numbers.