The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘Direct Dublin train is vital for us’
SENATOR CALLS ON STATE NOT TO DROP THE DIRECT KERRY-DUBLIN TRAIN AS IS PROPOSED
THE Kerry public is being urged to make submissions on the important of maintaining the direct Dublin to Kerry train in the face of a proposal that would see every Kerry passenger having to change at Mallow into the future.
It’s proposed that the direct service to the Kingdom from the capital would be dropped to save costs in Iarnród Éireann under the 2016 Rail Review.
It’s a measure that, if adopted, would at the very least prove hugely inconvenient for Kerry passengers into the future.
Leas-Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Fine Gael’s Paul Coghlan - who raised the matter in the upper house on Thursday –is now calling on members of the public in Kerry to submit their views on the importance of the direct line, describing the would-be move as a ‘retrograde step’.
“The 2016 Rail Review recommends dropping the direct Dublin to Tralee train, which would be a severe retrograde step and would have nothing but a negative impact on Kerry,” Senator Coghlan said.
“I was very concerned to read the recommendation of the Rail Review that every train out of Kerry change at Mallow. As someone who uses this service on a regular basis, I can absolutely testify to its importance and its necessity to the people of Kerry.” Of gravest threat is the likely impact on the tourism industry here: “By cutting the direct train link from Dublin to Tralee, Irish Rail will be adversely affecting the tourism potential of the county,” Senator Coghlan added. Kerry County Council is to make a submission against the move.