Kildare's train passengers must be consulted about rail services

Cllr Evie Sammon, Fine Gael General Election Candidate in Kildare North, has called on Irish Rail to launch a public consultation with Kildare commuters to develop a “fit-for-purpose timetable” for commuter rail services to Dublin. 

This follows an Irish Rail announcement that the previous timetable for services to Dublin will be reinstated from 14 October, “following weeks of frustration and disruption after the introduction of a new timetable.”

The schedule changes made by Irish Rail left many commuters across Kildare facing significant delays, Cllr Sammon said. 

“I welcome IR’s acknowledgment of the significant disruption caused by the introduction of its new timetable, and confirmation that it will revert to the previous schedule. However, it is clear from the chaos caused by the updated timetable that the company needs to listen to commuters when making changes like this. 

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“The new schedule was introduced without sufficient consultation or consideration of how it would impact those who rely on early morning services, many of whom travel to work in Dublin daily from Kildare.

It is not acceptable that Kildare residents were completely ignored in this entire process.”

Cllr Sammon says IR needs to urgently commence a public consultation with commuters to develop a new schedule that meets the needs and peak travel demand of those commuting to Dublin.

 “I have received numerous complaints since the changes were introduced, with many citing increased congestion, delays, and overcrowding on already packed trains. 

“People in Kildare rely on these services for their daily commute, and when there’s disruption like this, it affects their jobs,  childcare, and day-to-day lives. I have been in contact with Irish Rail and the Department of Transport on this issue and am disappointed it has taken so long for them to recognise the extent of the problem.”

She added: “This isn’t just about Dublin – it’s about the entire network. People must not be an afterthought. Kildare is growing, and so too is the demand for reliable public transport. This incident has highlighted the fragility of the current system and the need for long-term investment to prevent similar disruption in the future. Kildare needs to be a priority in that investment, we need dedicated direct train services from Kildare to Dublin City Centre, we need the Dart + project completed, but also expanded out to Sallins/Naas, and we need this investment as a matter of urgency.”