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Transport Minister Varadkar announced a €1M fund for station upgrades with schemes that will create jobs creation and also encourage more train journeys.
The money is to refurbish train stations with the announcement made at the Iarnród Éireann Annual Best Station Awards 2011 in Inchicore.
"I am delighted to announce a €1 million scheme to enhance rail stations.
"This short-term scheme will immediately provide vital employment for refurbishment works. And by providing a more pleasant environment for passengers, it should encourage more people to take the train.
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"Encouraging more people to use public transport is a priority for this Government.
"Passenger numbers are likely to be boosted by making sure that stations are attractive and clean, with appropriate signage and information," he said.
"Most stations do not require a major refurbishment. Instead, low-cost efforts can make a big difference, like re-painting, removing graffiti, replacing broken items, landscaping, or a general facelift.
"The refurbishment works will be co-ordinated by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
"Irish Rail and the NTA have already begun to identify the individual stations for inclusion in the programme, and to set out the exact work package for each station," he said.
"Assuming an average spend of €50,000 per station, around 20 stations could be significantly enhanced before the end of 2011.
"This is an example of a low-cost programme which will deliver beneficial improvements to rail passengers and promote increased use of rail based public transport, as well as providing essential employment.
"I would also like to congratulate Iarnród Éireann on holding another year of the Best Station Awards.
"It's a priority for the Government to persuade more people to use public transport.
"Tidy stations are more pleasant stations, and in these difficult economic times the Best Station Awards can go a long way to boosting passenger numbers and generating crucial revenues."
(BMcC/GK)
