Additional carriages to be added to Sligo/Dublin rail line

Additional carriages are to be added to services on the Sligo Dublin rail line in the coming months, it has been confirmed to a local TD.

Overcrowding has been a consistent issue for local commuters for a number of years. However, in a recent letter to Deputy Robert Troy, CEO Jim Meade confirmed that Irish Rail has taken delivery of 41 new intercity rail carriages.

Mr Meade revealed that the deployment of the new carriages into the fleet is progressing and that a number are expected to be added to the Sligo Dublin line.

“We are finalising the deployment plan for these carriages with the NTA and anticipate these will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

“We do anticipate that additional capacity will be provided on a number of Sligo line services from autumn 2024 arising from this deployment, and will confirm these details to you as soon as possible,” he said.

Welcoming the news, Deputy Troy says that it is important that the additional carriages are used on the Sligo Dublin line as soon as possible.

If commuters are being asked to ditch their cars for rail travel and other forms of public transport, it’s vital that carriages aren’t over-crowded at peak times, Deputy Troy said.

“Last year, following much engagement with local rail users, I met with the CEO of Irish Rail to impress on him the need for additional capacity on this service.

“I am please to have received confirmation that Irish Rail have taken delivery of 41 additional carriages and that a number of these carriages will be deployed on a number of services on the Sligo Dublin line from autumn of this year.”