Over-capacity on Kildare-Heuston train line raised in Seanad

A Fianna Fáil senator has raised the issue of capacity constraints on the Kildare-Heuston train line in the Seanad.

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin told Deputy Kieran O'Donnell that while the service from Kildare is generally “good”, affordable and timely, there is a “huge” capacity issue on the line.

Senator O'Loughlin said: “Kildare is a big commuter county. A lot of people have chosen to live in Kildare and commute into Dublin on a daily basis.

“It is phenomenal that on any day there are almost 19,000 people travelling up and down that corridor. That growth is important because it reflects the public’s choice to be able to access public transport. Essentially, that is what we want. We want to keep cars off the road and try to ensure that we have a good train service.”

Senator O'Loughlin said it is “impossible” to get a seat on the Kildare-Heuston train between 6.30am and 9.30am.

She said that while this did not overly concern her as a passenger, many older people were travelling for medical appointments and did not have a seat.

People, she added, are commuting to work and study and travelling for leisure, recreation and shopping, and it was important to ensure those people will continue to see trains as a safe, reliable and attractive option.

She said: “Iarnród Éireann had a major procurement of 285 carriages and I know getting them had to happen a number of years ago. That is a really important landmark investment. We need a clear understanding of how this new fleet will be integrated into the Kildare line.”

Responding, Deputy O'Donnell informed the senator that the NTA and Irish Rail have established a working group to jointly plan and implement changes and enhancements to the rail timetable.

In addition, he said, Irish Rail has advised that new trains will begin entering service in 2027, which providing extra capacity on the network.

Irish Rail has further confirmed that the first order of 95 carriages will directly benefit the Drogheda line by means of the provision of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages.

However, this will also allow intercity and commuter trains currently operating on the Drogheda line to be used on other routes around the network, including on commuter routes.

Senator O'Loughin said she would like to make “a strong case” for her area of Kildare.

She also said she will seek a meeting with the Minister for Transport, Daragh O'Brien on the matter.

Concluding, Deputy O'Donnell said: “Irish Rail acknowledges that Senator O'Loughlin wishes to see additional capacity provided as soon as possible. It thanks her for her patience and understanding in the meantime and looks forward to adding more capacity and frequency to the service through investment in new trains and in the network in order to increase the number of trains in a position to operate.

“I have no doubt Senator O'Loughlin will be following up with the other relevant stakeholders in terms of the proposal she has put forward in this regard.”