Extend festive train times all year round – TD

Irish Rail should keep the extended Christmas train timetable for commuter towns all year, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Joe Neville, TD for Kildare North, said extended hours would benefit commuters and help ease traffic congestion in the long term.

Deputy Neville said: “Commuters living around Dublin rely heavily on rail services not only for work and education but also for social activities.

“The later weekend services introduced for the festive weeks is warmly welcomed but it’s clear that demand would be there for these extended hours throughout the year.

“We’ve all been left wondering if we’ll have to cancel plans or leave events early so that we can make the last train.

“Providing later trains all year round would make rail transport more viable and be an affordable alternative to taxi fares which are rising in cost each year.

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Deputy Neville said the measure would be a practical, commuter focused improvement which would align with better public transport services and reduce traffic on our roads.

The Fine Gael TD said he has written to the Chief Executiive of Irish Rail and the head of the National Transport Authority asking that they consider the idea.

Towns on each of the Dundalk, Maynooth and Kildare lines would greatly benefit from this as well as towns like Howth and Greystones, he said.

Deputy Neville added: “The timetable for Christmas can be used as a pilot to see how these late-night services could be run most effectively later in the year.

“Irish Rail should seriously consider extending these hours for weekends throughout the years,” concluded Deputy Neville.