Obviously this would be very welcome but we have had false starts before. This is probably the most concrete update I have had though so hopefully it will happen this time.

On a separate note I am trying to get the station cleaned up for the Tidy Towns at present. Am sure all readers of this blog are model citizens with regard to litter etc but if everyone could make a special effort as the tidy towns judging is running at present and the station cost them points last year.

My key timetable points below:

Naas & Sallins Rail Users Group – NASRUG

Timetable Feedback 2010.

Submitted: James Lawless
(Contact 086 834 8869, james@jameslawless.ie)

Morning ex Sallins

Problem: Too large a gap between 8.15 and 8.59
Solution: Restore 8.15 to 8.25 or add new train 8.30?

Evening ex Heuston

Problem: Gap between 18.50, 20.10, 21.10
Solution: Reschedule as 19.30, 20.22, 21.10?

Connecting Trains

Problem: Commuters charged extra for making connections e.g. via Newbridge
Solution: Allow season ticket holders this flexibility.

Capacity

Problem: Some trains now running as three carriages
Solution: Allow extra carriages on busier trains (e.g. 7.45 ex Sallins)

Sundays & Bank Holidays

Problem: No evening Sunday service home (last train departs 6.15pm)
Solution: Schedule later Sunday evening service, e.g. 7.30pm or 8pm

Problem: No bank holiday service at all
Solution: Run Sunday or other reduced service level on bank holidays.

(Later Sunday service especially important during championship summers!)

Meeting Report

NASRUG met with Irish Rail on Monday 25th March.

Present for NASRUG: James Lawless, John Cunniffe, Conor McGarry

Present for Irish Rail: Myles McHugh

1. Timetable

JL queried whether a new timetable could be introduced Summer 2010 due to KRP concluding. MMcH stated that line capacity in place but dependency on rolling stock. Stock on order for delivery 2011. Passenger numbers down at present. Next timetable to be introduced November 2010. Agreed a dedicated meeting would be held Autumn for timetable inputs.

JL Asked whether Docklands station might allow Phoenix park tunnel trains into town – answer no because Meath on track about to link in there via new line at Pace.

2. Punctuality

MMcH acknowledged punctuality had been an issue from Nov 09 thru Jan 10. Measures taken in Jan 10 by IR seem be working. NASRUG acknowledged recent improvement. Noted the 6.31am train still unreliable. MMcH to check this service.

3. Station Upgrade

JL asked when would the station upgrade finally take place? MMcH said that Sallins had “fallen between gaps” with KRP on one side and intercity station revamps on the other. Said design now in progress. Aiming provide disability access by end 2010. Dependent on department transport funding but MMcH said department had always supported disability projects to date. CCTV and other upgrades planned alongside. Access may not take form of lift possibly overhead ramp and bridge instead.

4. Miscellaneous

Smart cards currently being rolled out on DART line, may be rolled out later in year on Sallins line. Discussed repair work at station car park including broken bollards and patch ground. Useful discussion on future of underground carpark also. Asked whether bike rack can be secured with concrete, MMcH to progress. JC raised late boarding of 17.35 MMcH to investigate. Announcements raised (as always) and mismatched station announcements.

5. Infrastructure

Metro West investment received EU approval last week. Interconnector at advanced stage design.

————————————————————————————————————————

Coincidentally an article appeared in some local media last week surrounding the disability access issues at the station and suggesting the issue was in hand - sample coverage:(http://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/Sallins-train-station-to-get.6176342.jp).

The reports (which obviously followed the script of a press release) did not relate to what was discussed at the meeting, the information (for what it was worth) was not shared with those of us attending the meeting and I would have to wonder as to its timing and why this was released within the same week as the ‘official’ set piece meeting was due to take place. Could it have been an attempt to hog the headlines and displace the ‘official’ meeting in news cycles? Or am I too cynical?

I was in town (Dublin) in the afternoon, back to the day job, so rather than drive back to Sallins for the regular commute I decided to park up at Maynooth rail station and get the train in from there. I used get the train to Maynooth all the time, back in the distant past of the nineties, when my wife was a student there and I was in lil old Trinity up the road, but it had been a while. It’s a decent little station. Small sandwich shop and newsagents beside the ticket desk and modern conveniences like an electronic next train display. Parking was a bit mad with a very linear strip running alongside the canal - had to go to the very end to get a spot and queueing for little while coming out later on. Pay parking was in operation at the rate of €2 a day, €8 a week, same as Sallins except for the extra option of paying €30 for a four week ticket. The machines were branded CIE rather than Euro Parks, which might allow more flexibility re the tariff options.

A day return to Connolly was €6 so the trip cost me €8 in total. Still a lot cheaper than driving to town but maybe slightly more than I expected. Of course regular trippers will have annual or monthly tickets so likely to work out much better. And Maynooth benefits from being considered inside the commuter zone for Irish Rail so on a per mile basis is better value than Sallins, Newbridge or even Hazelhatch stations.

Good timetable, lots of trains, mine was punctual. Busy though, even middle of the day. I gather this Northern line has less of the punctuality difficulties that trouble its Southern cousin (i.e. the Sallins line) which is obviously a good thing. However given we are currently at a passenger low point, due to recession etc the car park was still brimming over, and there wasn’t a huge amount of spare seating – I imagine the service may struggle under normal / peak conditions. One to watch in future.PS If there are any Maynooth rail groups reading (are there any?) feel free to get in touch, we might compare notes.

View Shortcut to Motorway in a larger map

On related note, the Kerdiffstown road is still closed whilst they figure out what to do with the culvert. I know it is causing some inconvenience to the residents along that road, which unfortunately will be the case until is is sorted permanently, however for the casual commuter, there are other options to get out onto the motoray. I have documented one of these above, an alternate route for Sallins motorists, in particular, to get out onto the N7 without needing to go anywhere near Naas or the Monread road etc. Just follow directions above.

The Greens’ demands for their new deal are carried in the Irish Times today. Personally I hope both parties can broker a deal as I would like the current government to continue. The nightmare scenario as I see it (from an admittedly political perspective) is where the greens present impossible demands and the government falls because FF can’t grant them. Then FG / Lab proceed to do almost identical things to the last administration but with greater public support and when the inevitable recovery comes in 2012 or 13 claim all the credit. Meanwhile FF are forever the bad guys who caused the recesssion and wouldn’t even give the greens their wooly but worthy demands. In that case it really would be a case of good riddance even if they (GP) did have the time of their lives.

Quickly reviewing each point of the wishlist.

1.A reversal of recent education cuts
This is fine in theory but may just be mathematically impossible. It’s not FF policy to cut education, it’s a matter of financial survival of the state.

2. A reduction in the number of TDs
Perhaps but along with a reform of the function. Representatives (which institutionalises clientelism) or legislators?

3. Major changes in the electoral system
More power to local authorities? Agree. Shorter terms of government and councils. Agree. Greater powers? Good idea but within reason. The Californian state has nearly gone bust because when they granted people free choice they chose to be taxed liked libertarians whilst enjoying communist levels of public services..

4. A commitment to a single-tier universal health system
Agree with existing commercial insurers providing a private compliment to public provision but without the overlap. Bit like what Obama is trying to do in the States.

5. A new third rate of income tax
Probably makes sense. There are already three levels of levy. We should consider an advanced model like the Canadian system. It’s like a tax ladder with gradual incrememnts in tax when your earnings increase.

6. The abolition of the PRSI ceiling
Makes total sense.

7. The integration of the income levies with the tax rates
it’s a no brainer. It’s happening anyway. The Minister always said the levies were only a blunt instrument until the next budget could regularise things. But it allows greens claim a ‘win’ from the off.

8. A clampdown on tax exiles.
Agree. But isn’t this what we are doing already? We need clarity on what the Greens consider a tax exile.

9. An animal welfare Bill that would ban hare coursing, stag hunting, fur farming and the importation of wild animals to be used in circuses
Agreed on most the above. Definitely a lot to be done on animal welfare, controls, rehousing, kill rates, regulations and monitoring. It’s not all black and white though. Devil in the detail. I’m not a hunter but I like to cast a fly as well as the next man. And I’ve been known to grace the odd point to point. Lets balance the traditions of rural Ireland with the need for protections.

10. Basic social welfare entitlements should not be cut
Well it depends. Who are the ‘vulnerable’ these days? Employers get no ’stamps’ allowance. What about the one who can’t pay his staff or the loan on his warehouse? Or the employee with a mortgage and bills on the table but no benefits. Better or worse off than those with gauraunteed tax free income (which has risen despite deflation). Or the millionaire with a medical card and / or child benefit. I know who’s going to be first in the queue for the doctors when the child gets sick and who will hesitate until its desperate.
We need safety nets sure but the current system needs fairness and reform on all sides.

11. Overseas development aid should not be cut
Worthy principle but needs must. We can only send what we can afford. Also, we send the Irish army abroad every year who protect hundreds of thousands of refugees. That’s worth millions in development aid.

12. A massive shift of emphasis from investment in road building to public transport initiatives
We need both. Ireland has seen vast improvements with the road building program of recent years. As a public transport activist I have many views on the railway and bus program also. If at all possible, capital investment on the T21 and other projects must be maintained.

That this Ard-Fheis commits to the comprehensive provision of public transport, both rural and urban, as an efficient environmental alternative to private transport, and further calls on the Government to increase the level of public transport service provision so that it becomes the obvious first choice for commuters and passengers. (Sallins Cumann, Kildare North) Related Motion: (Wexford CDC)

Opening

Minister, Teachta Daila, Senators, A delgaidi, etc etc,

It is a great honour to address this Ard Fheis. It gives me great pleasure to propose this motion on behalf of Sallins cumann, Kildare North and as a Wexford man living in Kildare to note that a similar motion was submitted by Wexford CDC. I shall endeavour to represent both in my address.

Intro

Baroness Margaret Thatcher once said “Anyone who is still using public transport by the age of 30 is a failure”

Delegates as an Irishman, a Republican and a Fianna Fáil activist it gives me great pleasure to disagree most vehemently with Thatcher on yet another issue…

I propose tonight that public transport in Ireland should be elevated to a position of service excellence which renders it the automatic first choice for commuters and passengers.

I believe public transport to be the most effective, environmentally friendly way to serve cities with large distributed populations such as Dublin and surrounds.

Furthermore I believe effective public transport an essential component of community infrastructure in rural and outlying areas weaving the social fabric of human interaction and preventing social exclusion for old and young alike.

Transport at national level must serve the needs of the nation, facilitating commerce, tourism and leisure journeys and providing an integrated network of joined up journeys across our land.

Delegates this government has seen unprecedented levels of investment in transport infrastructure.

Transport 21 sees €31BN Euro committed to a comprehensive level of transport provision and infrastructure building across the land. Along with this unprecedented level of investment I believe we must also strive to excel in service delivery, ensuring that passenger expectations are not only met but exceeded to the point where public transport becomes the obvious first choice.

Commuter

At commuter level we have seen unprecedented economic growth drive the population of the Greater Dublin area to record levels. The rail network has been overhauled and re-developed to meet these demands. Stretches of previously moss-covered tracks have reopened and formerly rural stations car parks are now full to capacity catering for the thousands of citizens daily commuting to work in the capital city.

The huge popularity of these services is a welcome development but forms a challenge for existing infrastructures and we must strive to ensure service provision of the highest standard.

Park and Ride facilities are required at all commuter stations and I am happy to report significant progress within my own constituency with Naas and Sallins due to open, Hazel hatch and Leixlip parking facilities opening ahead of schedule.

In addition to park and ride facilities the feeder bus service should be enhanced and expanded.

National

At national level the existing rail network continues to improve. Hourly services from Dublin – Cork with spanking new rail cars form the flagship of the new fleet.

The massive engineering projects of T21 hold great promise for future connectivity and a fully integrated transport network. The Interconnecter in particular is a vital piece of transport infrastructure which will serve as hub enabling both commuter and national journeys navigate the centre of Dublin from Southern and Western onto Rosslare and Northern lines

I call upon the Minister to ensure every priority is given to this valuable project and that it delivered with full alacrity…

Spencer Dock – first new station in over a century – benefiting Maynooth Line

It is essential contention can be avoided between national and commuter services to avoid bottlenecks, a development which is already underway in my own constituency of Kildare North, where progress on the Kildare Route project to four track the line along the commuter corridor is well underway.

I would call upon the Minister to examine similar initiatives on other routes particularly on the Wicklow/Gorey/Arklow commuter services where contention with the DART network currently poses challenges for timetabling and journey times.

In the context of social capital and connecting communities it is highly desirable to enable efficient, smooth and pleasant journeys along regional routes. The Celtic Tiger has brought a merciful end to forced emigration but economic mobility still sees many people living far from home and away from extended family. Fianna Fáil has always embraced family values emphasising the role of both immediate and extended family and comfortable, efficient service options for regional and national journeys will help bridge geographic gaps arsing from economic mobility.

Equally commerce and tourism derive significant benefit from national route development.

Local/Rural

At local or rural level the challenge of social inclusion can be addressed through provision of local transport and I welcome such innovations as the Rural Transport Initative and call upon the Minister to work with his colleague in Minister O’Cuiv in Community, Gaeltacht and Rural Affairs to extend this pilot scheme – to the areas of Kildare North and Wexford at least

End notes

Restate environmental benefits of public transport – aesthetics, emissions, less congestion etc
Pay tribute to private operators driving raising bar – AerArann, Private Coach Operators
List areas for improvement – reliability, comfort levels, frequency, ..
Road Safety –

Flooding
The village has suffered chronic flooding in recent years and the last few Summers haven’t helped. I looked into this last year and a meeting ocurred between the council and the OPW (Office public works) last Autumn. A consultants report followed and I understand next steps are for KCC to meet with the Johnstown Community Association and to then engage in wider public consultation. I was in the council chamber the other day and the director of services paid particular praise to one man (unnamed), a Kill native, who apparently gave them a tour of the subterranean landscape and was a font of extremly helpful local knowledge. Once the works are documented and agreed, I understand that funding shouldn’t be a problem.

Transport and Traffic
The bus stop in Johnstown is badly positioned, also the old shelter was never replaced. I raised this with Bus Eireann and also that the parking spaces at bus stop are badly located and when occupied can cause difficulties for buses pulling in and out. They agreed with me on all counts but advised that they no longer erect shelters and that is now the responsibility of the council or in a high traffic area an advertising company may oblige (unlikely to work here as the motorway traffic cannot see the shelter so not enough advertising interest). I have raised these issues to the county council along with a number of local traffic and signage issues.

Old Garden Centre
I’ve said before, and it remains my strong view, that the former garden centre site provides an amenity opportunity for the village centre, in the form of a park, playground or other community facility. I contacted the NRA and Kildare County Council on this last year and whilst the initial plan was standard site disposal I understood that was open to review. Johnstown Community Association has developed detailed plans for a community facility at this site of which I am very supportive. This site would appear an excellent location for such a facility.

Johnstown Area Plan
The Johnstown area plan is currently up for renewal and a draft plan should go on display later this year. I made a pre-draft submission last November which covered the Garden Centre site, traffic issues, amenity provision, flooding, education and sporting facilities which can all be seen here.

In particular the provision of extra parking spaces between the Railway Inn (Neds) and Bamburys bookmakers and down as far as the church all along that street have caused havoc for many motorists wanting to use that junction on a daily basis. The road is simply not wide enough to take two lines of traffic along with a line of parking spaces and it means an effective one way street is created at busy times.

Click to view diagram at scale

And there is rarely a quiet time here, between morning and afternoon school runs, morning and evening commuters accessing the N7 and church goers and other road users at various times of day. What ends up happening, literally daily and several times a day, is that a queue of cars is backed up trying to exit the side street, cars turning off main street cannot access (as only room for a single lane) and cars end up stuck half-in, half-out of the junction.

It is particularly difficult for traffic from the Osberstown side, who are frequently unable to access the side street and forced to go up further – to the canal bridge taking a right turn, literally across the path of oncoming traffic as the turn is beneath the crest of the bridge and people are taking their life into their hands turning blind across the road.

Every time I see the situation, and I’ve encountered it myself dropping the children to school, it makes me wonder what kind of research, if any, was done by the roads or planning engineers before these spaces were put in. There have already been near-misses, with at least one incident involving a cyclist and I really believe something has to be done here.

I have submitted a document which is available here on the issue to Kildare County Council, and via the offices of Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick.

I have included longer term proposals, such as a new canal bridge opposite the school, with a one way around the canal. I would also love to see the provision of a pedestrian walkway adjacent to the existing canal bridge, ala Newbridge. But in the short term something has to be done and soon.

Possible one-way system in longer term ; click to enlarge

No-go zone: Congestion charges are working well in London

Now the traffic was pretty much one way (forgive the pun) and most callers were scathing in their criticism of the proposal although the cynics were out in force with one caller suggesting “Noel Dempsey only wants the money to give himself a new haircut”..

Anyhow I got my chance to respond this morning and went on the airwaves to defend the ideas. The point is, as I said in my interview, we have to move beyond the private car and onto more sustainable, environmental, safer, more efficient forms of transport. Fossil fuels will not be around forever and we have to embrace more sustainable forms. Even as an example of immediate local impact one has only to look around any modern estate and see the number of cars literally wedged up onto every kerbside to get an idea of how unhealthy our current rate of car dependency is. Although I acknowledge we cannot make the move overnight.

I do believe the government are pursuing a progressive approach and are quite correct to be flagging the possibilities at this stage. The Minister has clearly said such a charge would only be introduced when the various public transport infrastructure projects currently in progress are completed or at an advanced stage. The landscape and connectivity map of Dublin city and surrounds will be transformed over the next decade. It will be possible to board a LUAS at citywest or lucan, to travel from Sallins or Newbridge right onto Stephen’s green or Pearse, to travel to airport via Metro or onto north or southside DARTs all from the existing Kildare or Maynooth rail lines. (Ref here and here). And that’s before even looking at buses.

So a Kildare commuter would have multiple options to choose from, and if they don’t suit or if they aren’t close enough to a station, a combination of park and ride would allow drive the first leg, then board a LUAS or train at a convenient point to continue their journey into the city centre. Some of this can be done today (I often drive as far as the Red Cow LUAS park and ride), some of this will come over the next few years.

Noel gave me an example this morning of a pal of his who recently had to travel into Parnell street in the city and was cursing that the journey took him four hours to get in and out. This is a good example to examine how the congestion charge might work. Firstly you have to ask why did his friend need to drive to Parnell street in the first place. Of all locations, the city centre is particularly well served, even now, with public transport options. Any number of buses, trains, LUASs etc could have got him there with a minimum of fuss. Now it turns out the trip was a commercial one, the chap was on a job and needed a van with tools to come with him. Fair enough. Now if we go back to our congestion charge situation, and imagine the fully fledged network of transport in place our van driver who has a valid reason for driving into the charge area, should have a far easier run of it as the general public are using public transport instead. So his journey of four hours now becomes two hours or less. And lastly if he’s anything like any tradesmen of my acquaintance, he’ll keep the receipt and either bill the customer or the revenue for his 5 euro charge, so he won’t be out of pocket either way!