The Westport-Dublin train service is to improve and increase its offering substantially over the next number of years as Iarnrod Eireann (IE ) invests millions in expansion plans and upgrade works while looking to provide linkages to more rural areas in Mayo.
In a presentation to members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District this week, Derrick Curran, Galway District Manager with IE, reported that staff numbers at Westport station have increased to 31, there are plans for more links for the Ballina service, also for improved wifi and food services on trains, while from this weekend, a new security programme as part of a plan to eliminate anti-social behaviour on trains will be implemented in association with An Garda Siochana on the Dublin-Westport service, adding: "The five-year plan is a 60% increase in service by 2027 and in Mayo that will include a proposal to link in with Ballina and other rural locations."
Mr Curran outlined: "A total of 4,915 Iarnrod Eireann train services run weekly, there are 629 carriages in the fleet, 2,200 kilometres in the network; 4,200 employees, and 145 stations served countrywide, with 348,000 kilometres travelled weekly. Regarding the Westport Train Station - it has 31 staff appointed, is manned seven days, the first train leaves at 5.20am and the last train arrives at 21.36. From Monday to Thursday there are nine trains up and down to Dublin, ten on Friday, eight on Saturday and Sunday and Westport also has an operational freight yard.
"Recent works at Mayo stations include a €1.5 million modernised freight yard at Ballina Station and the customer carpark resurfaced and lined; in Castlebar, the train station was repainted; in Foxford, a new customer shelter was added and the customer carpark resurfaced and line marked; in Claremorris the platform overbridge was upgraded and the customer car park resurfaced and lined and the station repainted; in Ballyhaunis, the customer car park was resurfaced and lined and the station interior repainted with the exterior to be painted in 2022.
"For the IE Intercity train service - an additional 41 intermediate vehicles are to be added in order to lengthen existing trains; a new rolling stock has been purchased to include 750 new rail carriages over the coming decade, with an initial order of 95 carriages at a cost of €317.8m, and the first carriages to enter the service in 2025."
Welcoming the update, councillors complimented Mr Curran and Iarnrod Eireann and made a number of requests, including cheaper train fares and more access to services for rural dwellers and the potential reintroduction of the old dining carriage on the service. Mr Curran took on board all queries, promising to provide an update in the near future.
Cllr Gerry Coyle said that from where he lived in Geesala, he would be 40 miles from the nearest train service and asked would it be possible to link in with the Local Link bus service; Cllr Paul McNamara said such a link to Achill would also be very beneficial for students who he believed should be allowed 'travel for free on trains'. Cllr John O’Malley, via zoom, said he was delighted just to know that the Westport to Dublin service will continue because it is very important and added: “Price and value for money is something Iarnrod Eireann will have to keep an eye on because we would like to ensure the service remains.” Cllr Peter Flynn, via zoom, said: “It’s great we are talking about additional services and reduced prices; I would query wifi and the capacity to bring bicycles on trains and would also love to see a link between Knock Airport and Claremorris train station."
Mention of the Ballina link was picked up later this week by Ballina councillor, Mark Duffy, who stated: "I welcome news after persistent lobbying and advocacy that Iarnród Éireann are planning later this year to introduce an early morning rail service at 05.20am from Ballina which will connect commuters in North Mayo into the Westport line, enabling arrival to Dublin at 08.30am. This is a positive step towards a more sustainable, more connected county."
Concluding, Westport MD Cathaoirleach Cllr Brendan Mulroy said it was great to have such a positive presentation and reception for Mr Curran and said "The staff here are the biggest ambassadors for Iarnrod Eireann and go above and beyond for this town." The only difficulty he wanted to mention was regarding overcrowding at All Ireland final weekends, when he said people had to sit on toilets and trains bypassed later stops as they were already full to capacity. Mr Curran said that should not happen as seats could be booked in advance; perhaps people who booked a later service were taking earlier trains and thus causing the problem.
Cllr Mulroy stated: "Overall I want to compliment Iarnrod Eireann. You have taken on board everything we have asked of ye over the years and I only wish more people would use the train because it is a fantastic service."
