Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)

The new InterCity railcars are being tested right now. We have received them. As the Deputy correctly said, Iarnród Éireann mentioned to him that once they come into use in 2026 additional railcars will then be provided to other routes.

Two carriages on a train at peak times is, I would suggest, insufficient. I am sure the Deputy has raised that specific issue about that train service with Iarnród Éireann. On the basis of the Deputy's intervention here, we will too.

The Minister of State, Deputy Canney, has already referenced in response to previous questions the very significant work that is happening around Oranmore station redevelopment and track works. There will be a new platform and a passing loop at Oranmore Station. That was granted planning permission last February and construction is expected to start by the end of this year. That will greatly increase capacity and frequency, in particular, on that service.

It needs to happen. We are being told it will commence by the end of this year.

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