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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Irish Rail timetable changes

Summary

Deputy Farrell complained that recent timetable changes had made rail services unpredictable for commuters in north Dublin and beyond. The Taoiseach said he would speak to the Minister for Transport and the NTA and ask for a direct reply.

I contacted the Minister for Transport, Deputy Ryan, about this matter this morning and I regret he was not able to attend the Dáil this afternoon. I want to raise the very important issue of the recent timetable changes across the Irish Rail network that have resulted in the introduction of an appallingly unpredictable service in what had been heretofore a relatively good and reliable service for commuters, students and others right up and down the country. On behalf in particular of the people using Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush and Lusk, Donabate, Malahide, Portmarnock and other stations, and indeed in the Taoiseach's constituency, I cannot stress enough how detrimental these changes have been. Trains that used to go cross-city, which our Luas trams and buses are being encouraged to do, no longer go through the city. They stop, which adds precious moments to commuting journeys. The most important impact is the services are now unreliable. They are constantly delayed. I ask the Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy Ryan, to consult the NTA and Irish Rail about this matter because it is entirely unacceptable.

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Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. It is an issue that is coming up quite a bit. Councillor Aoibhinn Tormey also raised this matter recently in terms of the unpredictability of the service and the Deputy has listed a number of areas in his constituency that are impacted. I will certainly talk to the Minister, Deputy Ryan, directly about the matter to see if he can engage with the NTA and come back to the Deputy directly.

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