Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to raise an issue in relation to the rail services. I compliment Iarnród Éireann on a tremendous service throughout the length and breadth of the country which is improving daily. I call for an extra service for the western line, from Heuston Station to Westport and Ballina, in the morning. There is no service, between 7 a.m. and 12.45 p.m., from Dublin to Westport or Ballina and we are looking for an extra service in that regard. We are also looking for extra carriages on some of the existing services that. They are overcrowded most of the time. There is a huge increase in the number of people using the rail services, and the bus services, here in Dublin. Since the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, reduced the cost of travelling by train and by bus, there is a huge increase in the use of public transport. It is great to see it. We need an extra service in the morning, from approximately 10 a.m., 10.30 a.m. or whatever.A new service was provided recently at 7.30 p.m., which is very welcome. The service is improving all the time, but we are looking for an additional service in the morning.