Kishoge train station, located in west Dublin, was on Monday thrown open to the public for the first time after lying idle for 15 years.
The four-platform station, which was constructed in 2009 at a cost of around €6 million, will serve residents of Lucan, Clondalkin, Balgaddy, among others. It is located on the Portlaoise commuter line between the Adamstown and Clondalkin stations.
Adverse economic conditions led to a protracted delay in the opening of the station as construction on housing developments around the station got stalled during the recession. With the station being unused for so long, it fell into disrepair due to vandalism and disuse, the Irish Independent reported.
Subsequently, Covid-19 pandemic also delayed its planned opening.
The Irish Rail then had to carry out refurbishment works totalling more than €3 million to bring the station up to standards.
According to RTE, it will be served by just under 100 trains each way from Monday to Friday, and will have reduced service at weekends. The station will be served by Heuston commuter and Newbridge/Hazelhatch to Dublin Connolly/ Grand Dock services.