Kilkenny train station at MacDonagh Junction has been named the best station in Leinster at the Iarnrod Eireann’s 2010 Best Station Awards.
Staff, led by station manager John Delaney, were celebrating last week after they took a cue from the county’s hurlers and hit the winning trail, holding off strong competition from Arklow and Connolly stations to win the provincial award.
They narrowly missed out to Killarney station in the overall category, but vistory in the provincial category was made all the more sweet by the fact that the decision was made by rail customers through a text and web poll.
Almost 2,000 customers voted, rating stations on customer information, staff appearance, staff helpfulness and station appearance.
The workers at Kilkenny station were this week congratulated on their success by local TD, Mary White.
“Congratulations to all the staff at the station on winning this award,” the Carlow/Kilkenny Green Party deputy said.
“It is clear from this public endorsement that the station and the staff are a tribute to Kilkenny. The award is based on judgement of customer information, the staff and the station, and I too can testify to the high quality on offer in the city’s station.
“The Dublin-Waterford service, which encompasses Kilkenny, has improved a lot in recent years nad I have worked with irish Rail to see customers concerns and requests addressed.
“Punctuality, bike capacity and customer service have improved and I will continue working with the company to help resolve issues in the future.”
Iarnrod Eireann bosses also added their voices to the congratulations.
“To win this award staff at Kilkenny have demonstrated the very highest standards,” Iarnrod Eireann bosses said.
“Our awards are a celebration of the very best on our network, and the competition encourages station staff at every station to match these standards.”
“John and his team can be proud of the high ratings achieved across all categories, and the strong role played by the station in the life of Kilkenny City.”
