Ballina election hopeful is keen to see more investment in railway station
Willie Nolan is running as an Independent candidate in the Ballina Local Electoral Area. He is pictured with the Innovation Quarter as a backdrop.
A Ballina local election candidate has welcomed news of plans to carry out a ‘green project’ at Ballina Railway Station.
Independent candidate Willie Nolan said he has learned Iarnrod Eireann is in the process of planning the planting of trees and foliage as part of a plan to turn the train station into a green space.
Mr Nolan said if he is elected, he will continue to lobby for further improvements to the local train station, which he described as a "vital cog" in the town.
“Ballina train station is known as an inland port, it has a very unique freight output. With the work that is going to be put in, it will advertise Ballina as the green capital of north Mayo and will help with biodiversity.
“The station is a vital cog in connectivity of people and goods in our county and country and is seen as an important inland rail freight hub.”
Mr Nolan said Ballina’s freight hub is a leading example of green transport solutions.
“Goods from Baxter in Swinford and Castlebar make their way to destinations in mainland Europe, the Nordic countries and Turkey through close partnership with Irish Rail, XPO Logistics and Brian Cunningham Transport from Ballina to Waterford Port.
“This improves sustainability by reducing carbon emissions.”
He also praised the recent addition of an evening train service leaving Dublin Heuston at 7.30pm bound for Ballina.
Mr Nolan added: “If I am to be elected, I will continue to push for ongoing improvements to all of these vital services that help to make Ballina the town that it is.”
