Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the ongoing review of the national development plan, of which the House is aware, and specifically the Rosslare to Dublin Connolly rail route. At present there are seven services each day on the rail route, travelling from the port of Rosslare through Wexford town, Enniscorthy, on to Gorey and onwards to Dublin Connolly through Wicklow.I wish to specifically highlight the need for investment in early morning services for commuters in Rosslare, Enniscorthy and Wexford town. At present, there is an early morning service operating from Gorey town and travelling to Dublin Connolly which leaves at 5.50 a.m. and arrives at Dublin Connolly at 7.47 a.m. This leaves plenty of time for commuters to make their way across the city and get into work. Unfortunately, the service operating from Wexford starts at 5.59 a.m. and stops in Enniscorthy at 6.20 a.m. but does not arrive in Dublin Connolly until 8.48. a.m., leaving it very tight for commuters. We have seen across the country that when there is investment in early morning services, commuters are willing to leave the car behind to take up the rail option but, unfortunately, this is a possibility currently denied to commuters in Wexford, Rosslare and Enniscorthy. I encourage the Leader to ensure this is prioritised as part of the new national development plan.

Finally, I acknowledge our visitors from the British Embassy and wish them the very best of luck. It is a country with a fine track record on rail infrastructure.