A NEW entrance to Kent Station will open to the public at the end of this summer.

Finishing touches are being made to the multi-million development that will improve access between the city centre and the railway station.

The new entrance is located on the southern side of the tracks facing Horgan's Quay.

Rail passengers will be able to enter the new entrance, taking a lift or stairs below ground to a new concourse before travelling through a new subway that connects up with the existing subway underneath the main station railway tracks.

The existing entrance, car park, set down area and taxi rank will continue to be used but passengers will have the option of exiting onto the Lower Glanmire Road or Horgan's Quay.

The development includes a new roadway that links Ship Street to Horgan's Quay. The road will only be accessible by public bus, however, a new public carpark will be accessible from Horgan's Quay.

Once the new entrance is open and operational, ticket barriers will be relocated adjacent to the train platforms. It means members of the public without tickets will be able to enter either entrance and use the subway to access the other side with tickets then required for boarding a train.

The project is funded by the National Transport Authority with the aim of improving pedestrian, cycle and public transport links between the station and the city centre.

James Kenny, Project Manager with Iarnrod Eireann said they will be carrying out testing work in the coming weeks but the target was to have the new station open by the end of the summer.

"We are now entering the final phase of construction and the project should greatly enhance the customer experience at Kent Station bringing it closer to the city," he said.