Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of trains and train timetables, particularly on the Sligo-Dublin line, which serves Mullingar, Maynooth, Enfield and a number of other large towns. Before Christmas, there was an extensive review of the Cork to Dublin line, with a new service for commuters and another service now leaving Cork at 6 a.m. and arriving in Dublin before 9 a.m. There was also a review of the Drogheda line, with additional trains provided. New lines were also opened, including the Athenry line and other connecting services. However, the Sligo-Dublin line was not reviewed at all. Such a review would be more than apt and is, in fact, overdue. It should include looking at the time taken for the journey. It takes more than three hours to travel by train from Sligo to Dublin. Cork to Dublin, a journey that is 50 km or 60 km longer, takes less time. It does not make much sense. There is a need for money to be spent on line. More facilities are needed, as well as an upgrading of the timetable and a review of train speeds and the possibility of a reduction in travel times.