Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I contacted the Minister for Transport, Deputy Ryan, about this matter this morning and I regret he was not able to attend the Dáil this afternoon. I want to raise the very important issue of the recent timetable changes across the Irish Rail network that have resulted in the introduction of an appallingly unpredictable service in what had been heretofore a relatively good and reliable service for commuters, students and others right up and down the country. On behalf in particular of the people using Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush and Lusk, Donabate, Malahide, Portmarnock and other stations, and indeed in the Taoiseach's constituency, I cannot stress enough how detrimental these changes have been. Trains that used to go cross-city, which our Luas trams and buses are being encouraged to do, no longer go through the city. They stop, which adds precious moments to commuting journeys. The most important impact is the services are now unreliable. They are constantly delayed. I ask the Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy Ryan, to consult the NTA and Irish Rail about this matter because it is entirely unacceptable.

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