Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford Brian Brennan has met with senior officials in Irish Rail to hammer home the point that the service on offer is simply not good enough…
Speaking following the meeting, Brennan said:
“Yesterday I visited Irish Rail Headquarters where I met with their new CEO Mary Considine and Head of Corporate Communications, Barry Kenny. We discussed at length the three key issues that are affecting the Rosslare line that has a major impact on commuters taking the train from Gorey, Arklow and Rathdrum.”
Brennan said one of the main issues facing commuters is the limited number of early morning services to the capital.
“Number one is the lack of frequency – there are only two trains that can get you to Dublin before 9 o’clock in the morning and that is simply unacceptable.”
He also highlighted the severe overcrowding on services, particularly for commuters joining the train further down the line.
“The second key point is the lack of capacity. Every morning the trains are literally full by the time they get to Gorey, Arklow and Rathdrum.”
The TD also warned that long-term investment is needed to protect the line, particularly with the growing threat from coastal erosion.
“Number three is the lack of investment in this line. There is a 64km stretch from Dublin to Wicklow Town that is under severe threat due to coastal erosion. This line faces significant and ongoing risks that threaten the stability of its infrastructure. I am aware that East Coast Railway protection projects are conducting a comprehensive study, but continuous disruption or any long-term closure due to erosion on the line will close a critical link between Rosslare and Dublin, isolating communities in towns such as Gorey, Arklow, Rathdrum, and put even further pressure on an already over-capacity motorway.”
Brennan said Irish Rail had suggested one possible way to significantly increase passenger capacity on the line.
“In relation to the key issue of lack of capacity, they did suggest that we look at increasing the length of platforms which means we could literally double the capacity on the line, going from 4 carriages to 8. I have asked Irish Rail to come back with pricing on this so I can bring to the relevant Ministers and I will continue to push this issue so that people from Wicklow Wexford get the rail service that they deserve.”
Wexford Weekly
This article was published by a member of the Wexford Weekly team.
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