JANUARY 2016 WAS ONE OF MY FIRST VISITS TO CLONGRIFFIN
This was one of my first visits to Clongriffin and at the time I described it a close to deserted and as the weather was horrible the area in general was bleak.
Clongriffin railway station in 2016 was a relatively new addition to Dublin's transport infrastructure, having opened in 2010. The station building itself was a modern, steel and glass structure designed to be open and airy, though some found its minimalist design a bit stark.
The surrounding area was still very much under development, with large tracts of empty land and ongoing construction projects. There were a few apartment complexes and some retail spaces, but the overall impression was one of a place that was still finding its feet.
Transport links were already well established, with the DART providing frequent services into the city centre and beyond. Dublin Bus also served the area, with the 15 route terminating at the station. However, the lack of other amenities meant that the station primarily served commuters and those heading into the city.
Changes since 2016
In the years since 2016, Clongriffin has undergone significant transformation. The vacant land around the station has been filled with a mix of residential and commercial developments, creating a more vibrant and self-contained community.
There are now several supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, and other shops within easy walking distance of the station, catering to the needs of local residents. A primary care centre and other community facilities have also been added, enhancing the area's appeal for families.
The station itself has seen some changes, with the addition of a bike shelter and improved signage. The previously free car park is now operated by a management company and may incur charges.
The surrounding transport network has also evolved. While the DART and Dublin Bus remain the primary modes of public transport, the opening of the nearby Portmarnock-Clongriffin Greenway has provided a new option for cyclists and pedestrians.
Overall, Clongriffin has matured from a fledgling suburb into a thriving community with a mix of residential, commercial, and leisure amenities. The station remains a vital transport hub, but it now serves a much broader range of needs for a growing population.
Now in 2024 DART trains to Clongriffin are quite frequent, typically running every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak times. It should be mentioned that Clongriffin station is currently only serviced by DART trains. There are no other commuter or intercity trains that stop at this station.
Currently, the main bus route serving Clongriffin is the Dublin Bus route 15, which operates between Clongriffin and Ballycullen Road. It provides a direct link to the city centre and other areas like Fairview, Connolly Station, and Rathmines.
However, there are plans to improve bus connections in the area under the BusConnects program. This initiative aims to overhaul Dublin's bus network, creating a more efficient and reliable service with increased capacity and frequency.
The specific changes proposed for Clongriffin under BusConnects include:
New orbital routes: These routes will run in circles around the city, providing connections to other suburbs without the need to travel into the city centre and back out again. One such route is proposed to run through Clongriffin, offering improved links to areas like Swords, Blanchardstown, and Tallaght.
Spine routes: These will be high-frequency routes running along major corridors into and out of the city centre. While Clongriffin may not be directly on a spine route, it will likely have good connections to them via the new orbital routes or existing services like the 15.
Enhanced infrastructure: This includes bus lanes, priority signals at junctions, and upgraded bus stops, all designed to improve journey times and reliability.
The BusConnects project is still under development, and the exact timeline for implementation in Clongriffin is not yet confirmed. However, the changes proposed are expected to significantly enhance bus connectivity in the area, providing more frequent and convenient services for residents and visitors alike.
Clongriffin railway station in 2016 was a relatively new addition to Dublin's transport infrastructure, having opened in 2010. The station building itself was a modern, steel and glass structure designed to be open and airy, though some found its minimalist design a bit stark.
The surrounding area was still very much under development, with large tracts of empty land and ongoing construction projects. There were a few apartment complexes and some retail spaces, but the overall impression was one of a place that was still finding its feet.
Transport links were already well established, with the DART providing frequent services into the city centre and beyond. Dublin Bus also served the area, with the 15 route terminating at the station. However, the lack of other amenities meant that the station primarily served commuters and those heading into the city.
Changes since 2016
In the years since 2016, Clongriffin has undergone significant transformation. The vacant land around the station has been filled with a mix of residential and commercial developments, creating a more vibrant and self-contained community.
There are now several supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, and other shops within easy walking distance of the station, catering to the needs of local residents. A primary care centre and other community facilities have also been added, enhancing the area's appeal for families.
The station itself has seen some changes, with the addition of a bike shelter and improved signage. The previously free car park is now operated by a management company and may incur charges.
The surrounding transport network has also evolved. While the DART and Dublin Bus remain the primary modes of public transport, the opening of the nearby Portmarnock-Clongriffin Greenway has provided a new option for cyclists and pedestrians.
Overall, Clongriffin has matured from a fledgling suburb into a thriving community with a mix of residential, commercial, and leisure amenities. The station remains a vital transport hub, but it now serves a much broader range of needs for a growing population.
Now in 2024 DART trains to Clongriffin are quite frequent, typically running every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak times. It should be mentioned that Clongriffin station is currently only serviced by DART trains. There are no other commuter or intercity trains that stop at this station.
Currently, the main bus route serving Clongriffin is the Dublin Bus route 15, which operates between Clongriffin and Ballycullen Road. It provides a direct link to the city centre and other areas like Fairview, Connolly Station, and Rathmines.
However, there are plans to improve bus connections in the area under the BusConnects program. This initiative aims to overhaul Dublin's bus network, creating a more efficient and reliable service with increased capacity and frequency.
The specific changes proposed for Clongriffin under BusConnects include:
New orbital routes: These routes will run in circles around the city, providing connections to other suburbs without the need to travel into the city centre and back out again. One such route is proposed to run through Clongriffin, offering improved links to areas like Swords, Blanchardstown, and Tallaght.
Spine routes: These will be high-frequency routes running along major corridors into and out of the city centre. While Clongriffin may not be directly on a spine route, it will likely have good connections to them via the new orbital routes or existing services like the 15.
Enhanced infrastructure: This includes bus lanes, priority signals at junctions, and upgraded bus stops, all designed to improve journey times and reliability.
The BusConnects project is still under development, and the exact timeline for implementation in Clongriffin is not yet confirmed. However, the changes proposed are expected to significantly enhance bus connectivity in the area, providing more frequent and convenient services for residents and visitors alike.
JANUARY 2016 WAS ONE OF MY FIRST VISITS TO CLONGRIFFIN