Wicklow Commuters: Have Your Say on Dublin-Wexford Rail Line

The long complained about service is up for discussion at a public meeting in Gorey.

Wicklow rail commuters are being encouraged to attend a public meeting on the future of the Dublin to Rosslare line.  It’s taking place in Gorey at 7pm tomorrow evening, Thursday 24th September.

Local TDs and representatives will be discussing, and listening to feedback, about the long complained about service, along with campaign group South East on Track.

The meeting comes as passengers along the corridor grow increasingly frustrated. Many users say train timings don't suit working lives, that services are too slow when travelling to Dublin, and overcrowding remains a problem for people boarding at Arklow and Rathdrum.

Why it matters in Wicklow

Stations at Greystones, Wicklow, Rathdrum and Arklow sit on the same line, so any change to services affects county commuters directly.  Wicklow-Wexford TD Brian Brennan recently raised the issue with Irish Rail. He says only two trains can get passengers to Dublin before 9am.

Irish Rail has suggested lengthening platforms, which could double capacity by moving from four carriages to eight. Deputy Brennan has asked for costings.

Track erosion is another worry. There's concern any prolonged closure could isolate Wicklow communities and put more pressure on the M11.

Infrastructure and roads

Fianna Fáil's Malcolm Byrne maintains commuters travelling south from Dublin are being left behind.  Deputy Byrne also points to congestion where the M11 meets the M50 and to objections to proposed housing at Fassaroe in Bray over road capacity.

Fears over the Wicklow/Greystones changeover

Some commuters may also recall earlier NTA reports that floated ending the line at Wicklow or Greystones, with a DART shuttle for areas further south. That idea drew strong opposition from passengers at the time. Campaigners argued it would push people back into their cars. 

Do you want to have your say? The meeting is open to all rail users, and starts at 7 pm in the Loch Garman Arms on Main Street, Gorey.