Additional bus services a relief to commuters - Troy

Additional bus services from Mullingar to Dublin “will provide significant relief for commuters who travel on the oversubscribed route”.

That’s according to Deputy Robert Troy, who has been calling for ancillary bus services to work in tandem with the rail service.

“Having made numerous representations on behalf of constituents who regularly use the overcrowded Mullingar to Dublin train, I know the hardship they have been experiencing on the daily commute,” Deputy Troy said.

“I am glad that the NTA have finally put additional bus services in place which will work in tandem with the rail and accommodate extra passengers.

“There will be an hourly service from Mullingar to Dublin on the 115 route with limited stops at peak times. Additionally there is a licensed service which will provide services from Ballymahon, Edgeworthstown and Mullingar direct to Dublin city with three morning and three evening peak time services and limited off-peak and weekend services.

With rising accommodation costs pricing many people out of living in Dublin, Deputy Troy says that “more and more we are seeing towns such as Mullingar and Longford become commuter towns”.

“The government must wake up to this fact and put in place the proper infrastructure to cater for expansion. Chronic overcrowding, a lack of mobility handles and grab rails and general safety matters are just some of the concerns commuters raise with me. Commuting in unsavoury conditions is turning people off using public transport and forcing them into cars, adding to congestion and pollution.

“I will continue to pursue Irish Rail management in terms of additional rail services and additional carriages on commuter service trains.”