Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that the Minister for Transport and I recognise that transport connectivity is hugely important for people who live and work in Ireland.

What happened is unfortunate and it is not acceptable. There have been some improvements since the timetable changes on 16 September and I have listened to what the Deputy said. With regard to the restrictions between Drogheda and Connolly Station, we all know there is a single track each way with extremely limited options. Trains come into Connolly Station from Belfast, Drogheda, Dundalk, Howth and Malahide and others come in from Sligo, Longford and the local line from the M3 Parkway. Anyone who travels regularly on these trains knows the delays that are there before reaching Connolly Station. However, a railway order that has been granted for the provision of DART+ west, which will see the electrification of the line between Connolly Station and Maynooth, and that includes work at Connolly Station on platforms five, six and seven where the DARTs go from. That will provide more flexibility. There is also the DART+ north which is currently in the planning process. These changes will be happening, they need to happen and are badly needed. I agree with much of what Deputy Smith said and thank him for raising this issue in the House today.

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