Dublin to Rosslare rail line could soon end in Wicklow as Irish Rail eyes plans for Dart shuttle
The Wicklow PeopleThe National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Irish Rail are still considering proposals to terminate the Dublin to Rosslare rail line at Wicklow or Greystones stations, in an effort to improve frequency.
Two reports by the NTA in 2024 proposed this termination and for a Dart shuttle to be used instead to cater for areas further south.
The change in this service would be done with the hopes of improving the service for Kilcoole and Wicklow, however it would cause more difficulty for passengers travelling on the line from Wexford to Dublin.
Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcom Byrne was informed about the NTA’s proposals for the first time at the end of 2023, which considered imposing a changeover at the Wicklow station.
It was confirmed to him at the start of 2024 that work is currently ongoing on the proposal for this project which aims to increase train frequency between Greystones and Bray.
During a recent meeting of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, where Deputy Byrne sought clarity on the situation, a spokesperson for Irish Rail, Barry Kenny, confirmed they are still looking at the proposed changes.
“When we free up trains, that is when we start having options. I know that the Deputy is not very keen on shuttle services that connect. I think in the shorter term it is probably our main opportunity to expand the services so that there would be some connections.”
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When asked about better rolling stock Mr Kenny said that will rely on the delivery of the Dart+ programme.
“More intercity trains and commuter trains will be freed up when the Dart+ trains start coming in, so that will allow the intercity trains to be used. Commuter trains are important at peak hours because otherwise, there is simply not the room, but it is a debate to be had.”
Deputy Byrne says the NTA needs a long-term plan to improve the service.
“I have six rail services that I can use every day. Somebody from Carlow will have 11, somebody from Dundalk will have 16 and someone from Portlaoise will have 32. I love when we hear all the talk about the double track in other parts of the country, but we are not seeing it on the Rosslare rail line.”
The number of passengers using this line has increased in the last few years with figures showing that daily boardings at Wexford station more than doubled between 2013 and 2022.
Due to high demand, a new night-time service was also introduced between Gorey and Connolly in May 2023.