A record year on Sligo/Dublin line

A total of 1.45 million passenger journeys were recorded on the Dublin/ Sligo rail line in 2019. This represents a 3.3% increase on 2018.

An additional weekday service each way was introduced on the Dublin/Sligo route at the end of 2018, which contributed to the 2019 increase. 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 increase in passenger numbers say Irish Rail

Nationally, Iarnrod Éireann recorded its highest ever number of passenger journeys in 2018, with 50.1 million passenger journeys made across Intercity, DART and Commuter services. This represents a 4.4% growth on the previous year.

Commenting on the figures, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, Jim Meade said: “Recording the highest ever passenger journeys on the Sligo route is a high point for us as an organisation, but more importantly it gives us the chance to thank all of our customers, who have voted with their feet in choosing to travel with us.

“Throughout 2020, I and my colleagues commit to providing a sustainable and reliable service for the people of Sligo.

“It also illustrates the importance of additional capacity on our network, with new carriages arriving from late 2021 the first of a range of fleet orders which will equip us to meet demand.”