Train schedule does not suit Mullingar Longford commuters

Transport Infrastructure Ireland is to be requested to review the current rail timetable between Mullingar and Longford, in order to facilitate workers commuting between the two towns.

The proposal was made at the March meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad by Cllr Bill Collentine.

“The people from Mullingar going to Longford – and there’s quite a few of them – they’re not getting there on time,” Cllr Collentine said.

“Most of them start work at 8.30 or 9am and the train doesn’t get in till 9am, so it doesn’t really suit any of those workers, and there’s quite a few working down there in different offices.”

His proposal was that the morning train run half an hour earlier.

There was also a problem in the evenings, in that the train does not leave Longford until 6pm, but the more important issue was that of the morning timetable, he said. Cllr Collentine also had words of praise for the environs in which the commuters would be starting their daily journey:

“A lot of improvements have taken place in Mullingar Railway Station – outside and inside: it’s very good; it’s warm and it’s sheltered,” he said.

The official written response from the executive stated that if members were in agreement, then a letter could issue, and that consent was given.

Yellow box

Yellow box markings will be painted at Millmount Road Junction and Auburn Road, Cllr Bill Collentine was informed, after he explained at the same meeting that it would facilitate easier exit and entrance to both roads and help out with traffic flow.

Springfield

The Springfield Tunnel has been freshened up recently, Cllr Mick Dollard learned at the meeting . His request had been that the district have the tunnel painted “when the weather improves”, but officials revealed that the work had been done.

Cllr Dollard asked that the district review the public lighting provision at the OPD complex at Canal Court with a view to improving it. Stated the reply: “A lighting design has been requested from Electric Skyline and in the meantime it is proposed to replace existing lanterns with LEDs where possible during regular maintenance.”

A further item raised by Cllr Dollard related to the water cuts at selected locations in Rathconnell: he asked that these be opened and was told that maintenance drainage works are scheduled to be carried out along that road.