Commuter raises concerns as two passengers faint on Wexford-Wicklow train

Both Wexford and Wicklow commuters are demanding urgent action from Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority (NTA) to address chronic overcrowding on the Dublin-Rosslare Europort line, after two passengers fainted on consecutive mornings due to unsafe standing conditions…

Delia Termini, an Aughrim resident who commutes daily from Rathdrum to Dublin, reports that the 07:15 train has become dangerously overcrowded, with passengers forced to stand for up to two hours in packed carriages.

“There are only three morning trains from Rathdrum (6:15, 7:15, and 8:50) and all are full before they even reach Wicklow Town,” said Ms.Termini. “Every day, dozens of commuters stand shoulder to shoulder for the entire journey. On September 16th, a woman fainted from standing too long. The next morning, another woman fainted and struck her head. This is not just inconvenient… it’s unsafe.”

While both the Department of Transport and the NTA have acknowledged the issue, no immediate measures have been introduced.

The NTA confirmed that platform length restrictions and limited rolling stock prevent longer trains, and that “an increase in services is being kept under review once resources become available.”

Local TDs, including John Brady (Sinn Féin) and Jennifer Whitmore (Social Democrats), have written to the NTA expressing concern. Deputy Brady called the situation “intolerable and dangerous,” while Deputy Whitmore noted that current capacity constraints leave Wicklow commuters “effectively stranded in an unsafe system.”

However, commuters say they cannot wait until new infrastructure is built.

“We need a short-term solution such as an additional morning service or at least seat reservations for vulnerable passengers,” Ms. Termini added. “Standing for two hours in an overcrowded carriage should never be normalised. This is a public safety issue.”

Commuters are now calling for:
● A formal safety review of all peak-hour services on the Rosslare-Dublin route
● Publication of passenger load data for the 6:15, 7:15, and 8:50 trains,
● Immediate interim measures, such as additional carriages or staggered services during
peak commuter days (Tuesday-Thursday).