Wicklow Rail Line, needs more trains

There has been recent publicity about a lack of a plan for the future Wicklow Rail Line service. ‘The line has the worst service of any in the Greater Dublin Area and had the most timetable complaints in Irish Rail’s recent national timetable consultation’ said Cllr Derek Mitchell (FG).

I have again urged Irish Rail to implement my 2018 Rail Plan for Wicklow which was launched by then Minister, now Taoiseach, Simon Harris TD. This would provide 3 direct rush hour services of 8 carriages, a triple capacity increase for limited cost. This can be implemented in 2025 when diesel railcars become available after the electrification of the Drogheda service with battery DARTs. This makes use of a vacant rail slot at approximately 08.18 Northbound from Greystones. Platforms will need to be lengthened in Kilcoole and some other stations South of Greystones and this work needs to be started soon.

My plan also included providing 50% more DARTs to Greystones and this is to be included as part of DART+ South objectives.