Irish Rail must change course on southside DART disruption – Doherty

Irish Rail must re-examine plan for engineering works in May and June to minimise disruptions for commuters and visitors, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Regina Doherty, Fine Gael’s candidate for the European Elections in Dublin, criticised Irish Rail’s announcement of significant interruptions to train services and station closures between Grand Canal Dock and Bray in May and June.

Senator Doherty said: “Irish Rail has announced that due to engineering works, there will be no train services between Grand Canal Dock and Bray between Saturday 4th of May to Monday 6th of May, as well as on Saturday 18th of May and Sunday 9th of June. Stations along this route will be closed for train services on these days.

“The DART and other commuter rail links are vital for so many commuters and visitors in Dublin. The announcement of 5 full days of closure between will have a huge impact on people trying to get around the city, including visitors and those travelling for work.

“While engineering works may undoubtedly be required, Irish Rail should make sure that they are only disrupting vital services where absolutely necessary and not when other alternatives, such as night time works, could be possible.

“The dates involved include key events such as the European Rugby Champions Cup Final Stage when Leinster will play Northampton Saints in Croke Park when thousands of people along the southern DART line will be deprived of a rail link into Dublin city centre. It’s a time of year when the weather is improving and more people will want to travel to places like Dún Laoghaire, Seapoint, Sandycove and Bray. Is it really necessary to enforce such disruptions at this time of year?

“We are trying to encourage more people to use public transport to reduce pressure on Dublin’s roads, and these widespread closures are not helping.

“It is important that Irish Rail makes sure that all options have been examined, including whether it is possible to do such engineering work on a different schedule, or whether it is truly necessary to close 13 train stations on the southside for 5 days in order to complete the required works,” Senator Doherty said.