Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the response. Doubling the number of train tracks from two to four through Newbridge and onto Kildare town on the Dublin-Cork line on the makes eminent sense. Planning for that accordingly and ensuring it is a priority makes eminent sense as we prepare for future demand. Reopening the Phoenix Park tunnel has resulted in considerable benefits for commuters on the Kildare suburban line and has provided a very significant financial benefit for Irish Rail as it becomes a very user-intensive route because of its location.

However, the cost for commuters in my constituency is considerable. As I said earlier, the extension of the short-hop zone to Sallins, while welcome for residents in that area, has caused considerable issues. There is an astronomical disparity in the prices for travelling from Sallins versus travelling from Newbridge, which is only seven minutes down the track. The adult single fare from Sallins to Heuston is €4.75 but from Newbridge it is €14.30. An adult monthly ticket from Sallins to Heuston is €154 and it is €264 from Newbridge. This disparity is wrong. Money is being spent on extending a car park in Sallins which is full of commuters coming from Kildare South because they are driving to that station for the cheaper fares. The short-hop zone needs to be extended to Newbridge Station.

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