Extra train each way is on track for Sligo Dublin line
NEW SERVICE IN BOTH DIRECTIONS IS DUE TO BE ADDED BY MID YEAR
IARNRÓD Éireann plans to add an extra service to the Sligo Dublin line by the middle of this year.
The move is prompted by growing passenger numbers on the route.
The propsed changes are as follows: At present there is an 8:00 and 11:05 service from Dublin. The company propose changing that schedule to include a 7:05, 9.05 and 11.05 service.
Likewise from Sligo to Dublin the timetable now is 1500 and 1800 which will change to 1500, 1700 and 1900.
A total of 1.3million passenger journeys were recorded on the Dublin Sligo rail line in 2017. This represents a 6% increase on 2016.
Spokeswoman Jane Cregan says: “In response to growing passenger numbers the company hope to introduce an extra service each way between Dublin and Sligo when the timetable changes in the middle of this year.”
Members of the travelling public will have a direct say on the new timetable as Jane explains: “We have had a timetable review. We will post up this new timetable on our website later in the year for public consultation.
“Members of the public will have two weeks to comment on the draft timetable and after taking their views into account the company will finalise the timetable and publish it.”
With increased congestion, more and more people are opting to take the train when travelling between Dublin and Sligo.
Economic improvements, greater numbers of people in employment and increased tourist numbers visiting the Sligo region have all contributed to the major increase in passenger numbers.
Nationally, passenger numbers grew to 45.5million passenger journeys, equalling 2007, which was the highest number of passenger journeys ever recorded.
Commenting on the figures, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, David Franks said: “As an organisation it is great to see our passenger numbers returning to peak levels.
“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we are working hard to ensure that we can provide an even better service throughout 2018”
During 2018 Iarnród Éireann will continue to provide frequent and value for money transport for the people of Sligo.
The company is planning a mid-year review of its schedules, and subject to approval of the NTA, it has a priority an additional service each way daily between Dublin and Sligo, increasing overall frequency from 7 trains each way daily to 8 trains each way.