Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has welcomed confirmation by John Reville of Irish Rail that peak time DART trains are to be provided with extra carriages.  Deputy Mitchell O’Connor has been lobbying Irish Rail regarding this issue and recently met with John Reville from Irish Rail. The Deputy outlined to Mr Reville the severity and extent of the overcrowding on rush hour DARTS, drawing on a survey, which she commissioned on the matter.

“I welcome the confirmation I have received from John Reville that the northbound 07.47 departure from Bray is now an eight carriage train which is the maximum size permissible. It had previously been a four and six carriage train.

“Mr Reville has also indicated to me that Irish Rail is strongly considering adding two carriages to the 07.54 departure from Bray, changing it from six carriages to eight. So instead of having 3 x 6 carriage trains we are moving towards a situation where we will have 1 x 6 carriage and 2 x 8 carriage trains.

“I am assured by Irish Rail that the additions of carriages will adequately cater for the demand at that time, which is easily the busiest part of the morning rush hour from south Dublin to the city centre.

“Mr Reville has informed me that he will be in Dun Laoghaire on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings this week to monitor the situation and that he will travel to the city centre on the two six carriage trains to gain a personal insight into the passenger loadings on these services. I am grateful to Mr Reville for his engagement on this issue and I look forward to hearing further from him on his findings.

“This is an important issue for commuters in the Dun Laoghaire constituency and I am determined that rush hour DART travellers will be able to travel in safety and comfort.”