Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

At the outset, it was stated that this measure would save €3.2 million and would only affect off-peak services. In his response, the Minister of State noted there was no possibility of additional funding by the Exchequer. However, no one is asking for that and that is not in question because this is about management and putting together trains with the appropriate number of carriages for the demand at the time. As the Minister of State stated, there are 14 hours in the day when demand is not at peak and this makes up two thirds or three quarters of the entire day. While it makes no sense to run empty six or eight-carriage trains along the length of the DART line from Greystones to Howth, they should be in place when they are needed and the energy can be saved during the remaining period.

See this speech in context