'More rail carriages needed' - Collentine

Additional carriages are required on the Sligo to Dublin rail line – and Iarnród Éíreann should be asked when they will be delivered, Cllr Bill Collentine said at the November meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad. “There’ a lot of people using the train now,” he said. “I notice lately there’s an awful lot of people coming from Dublin.”

Cllr Collentine said if the new carriages were to arrive before Christmas, it would help get more people into town.

Cllr Denis Leonard supported Cllr Collentine, and said that at a previous meeting with Iarnród Éireann, an assurance had been given that the additional carriages would have been provided by 2022.

Cllr Ken Glynn also supported the call, saying lack of space on the trains was an ongoing issue and that often it was impossible to get a seat on the train to Dublin.

“They are treating the people of this area terribly,” he said.

Cllr Hazel Smyth added her voice in support: “I think it’s great to see that people are taking the train, reducing the carbon footprint and looking to save time,” she said, adding that she is a big fan of the service, and the fact that it is possible to buy a ticket to Dublin for as little a €8. However, she continued, she was aware that at times it can be impossible to obtain a seat, and so investment in rail transport is needed.

The written response from the executive stated that the meetings administrator for the full council is in the process of agreeing a date in early December for a joint meeting between the National Transport Authority, Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann and the elected members.

(We understand that the meeting took place this week.)