Heavy criticism of Ennis’ train and bus station has been voiced.
Speaking at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) was vociferous in her disapproval of the current condition at Ennis station as she sought an invitation to be issued to Irish Rail and Bus Éireann to attend a future sitting.
She outlined that the station was “very profitable” and calculated that up to 2,000 people were using it on an almost daily basis prior to COVID-19 while affirming that neither Irish Rail or Bus Éireann had “pride” in the station. “There is no personnel there, it is all machines, the inspector from the bus station was removed three years ago,” Cllr Howard added.
Rubbish is taken from the location weekly by volunteers with Ennis Tidy Towns, the former Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council outlined.
First opened as a railway station in 1859, Howard lamented the fact that it was the first destination for many individuals stepping foot in the county town. “The station can be a very scary place,” she observed.
Bus Éireann have confirmed they are working on a nationwide upgrade to all in-station information displays and that no plans exist to have a supervisor in Ennis while flagging that tickets can be purchased from automatic machines, on board the bus and online. “There hasn’t been any change to the ticketing situation in Ennis for almost 10 years and there are no current plans to reintroduce a supervisor in the station”.
A recently opened fully accessible lift and footbridge at Ennis Station was referenced by Iarnród Éireann regarding their commitment to the location. Resurfacing of the platforms is due to commence in the coming months, a spokesperson highlighted. “We have an excellent working relationship with Ennis Tidy Towns. There is a staff presence at this location and our Station Manager for the area regularly visits the station to ensure that high standards are being maintained”.
