The rolling stock has yet to be delivered. It will be late next year before its commissioned to service, thereby feeing up other stock to be deployed as suited. However the current situation is that this won’t happen as a result of cutbacks. I apprciate that numbers are down, but it will lead to a continuation of some intercity services acting as commuter trains and this has a kickback across the network. Furthermore the expansion of services is not just about numbers, its about choice, which we know is always a difficulty in Sallins.

The PPT issue is perhaps different for your needs in comparison to my view on it. The route would provide a much needed service through heavily populated parts of the city and provide an alternative Kildare service by default. But its quite clear that despite all the arguments IE just don’t want to do it. In fact the excuses change on a regular basis! But nice to see you mention it.

Best of luck with your meetings with IE and I appreciate you have success with macro issues. Unfortunately, as you know, I have found from my experiences that they can be a time consuming waste, when it comes to seeking reform on a larger scale.

D.

Thanks for stopping by.

Myles told us the KRP track works are complete but rolling stock is on hold till next year. In fairness this is reasonable with passenger numbers down significantly. Having the infrastructure means they can upgrade service on demand.

The PPT is an old chestnut, nice to have but the LUAS has addressed the issues in the short term and the Interconnector in longer term.

The meetings can be worthwhile, we often achieve resolution on many micro issues and have had good inputs into timetabling etc before. This year our group successfully lobbed for the restoration of the 7.30am service. All in all I think its better keep lines of communication open.

Re the station upgrade yes I am not holding my breath either, the local media appear to consider this a done deal but I similarly suspect reality may beg to differ.

Just to let you know that the KRP is not being fully commissioned and no additional trains are being introduced. As a result some of the new batch of trains are going to the Western Rail Corridor instead. Myles McHugh would have known that when he met you. It was confirmed in todays Tribune as well.

Furthermore the reason he gave you about the PPT is a red herring and always has been. Irish Rail didn’t bother to connect it to Docklands despite promising to at an Oireachtas Transport Committee meeting. There is loads of spare capacity in Docklands.

I would also suggest that Sallins will not be upgraded anytime soon. When one looks at Monasterevan, the Midleton line and the WRC, it highlights how the decision making process is flawed within Irish Rail. Sallins is rapidly turning into one of the worst stations in the country.

Sorry to be so negative James, but Irish Rail are offering you nothing through these meetings.

Btw, you didn’t get Metro North and Metro West mixed up? I think the EIB outlined a possible €500m loan for Metro North last week. As I’ve said before, I think Metro West is a bad idea. It’s too far out to operate as a proper “circle line”.