Deputy Joan Burton TD recently met with Iarnród Eireann spokesperson Barry Kenny outlining the need for improvements to the commuter rail services in Dublin 15.
Deputy Burton, pointed out to Barry Kenny that she had received a large number of complains from constituents over the Christmas and New Year period, when Irish Rail only provided a very limited service. Deputy Burton argued that Irish Rail did not take into account the large number of people who return to work to find that their regular trains were cancelled and only a minimal service in its place.
Barry Kenny stated that Irish Rail had held a review of the Christmas service on the Maynooth Line (which serves Dublin 15) and that there would be improvements to the schedule for next Christmas.
Deputy Burton said that “the people of Dublin 15 were paying the same price for a service, as those who enjoyed a much better service, for instance on the DART.”
“Some important peak services still only have four carriages, whereas there were off peak trains running with eight carriages. It should be a priority for all peak time services to have a capacity of eight carriages”.
“While I recognise that there has been major improvement to the train service in recent years, there is still room for a much better service to bring the Maynooth line to the level enjoyed by other rail and DART users.”
“I am pleased to report that Irish Rail have committed to not cutting back any of the Dublin 15 services during 2009.”
“On a further positive note, an interim smart card would is to be introduced during the autumn as part of the roll out of the long awaited Integrated Ticketing scheme. I am told that Integrated Ticketing will be fully available from mid-2010. This has been a long time coming, but will take at least some of the hassle out of commuting, especially when someone has to switch from train to bus or LUAS as part of their journey.”
Barry Kenny also said that the reconstruction of the line to Dunboyne with new stations at Hansfield in Dublin 15 and Pace just west of Dunboyne near the new M3 Motorway are due to come on stream in late 2010. Parking is to be available for 300 cars at Dunboyne and 1,200 cars at Pace which would be the biggest park and ride facility in Ireland.”
“It is essential that capacity on this line is further increased so that commuters parking at Pace have not filled up all the trains before they even get to Dublin 15.”
“I am also informed of several developments proposed for the Maynooth line, including the removal of all manual level crossings. However, to facilitate this the following changes, some of which may prove controversial, will be necessary:
• Cabra, Reilly’s Bridge – Flyover proposed.
• Ashtown, – Underground of crossing.
• Coolmine – Road Flyover.
• Porterstown – Close road.
• Clonsilla -Moving of crossing further west.
“The Re- Signalling and Electrification of the line is due to be completed by 2012, bringing the line up to DART standard.”