No additional rail service for Friday night rugby match
Iarnród Éireann say they will not be in a position to provide additional transport to accommodate rugby fans travelling to the Ireland Wales Six Nations Rugby International on Friday.
They “do not have the drivers and fleet for an additional service”.
A Westmeath Examiner reader contacted the paper to air concerns about the lack of public transport to the later evening fixture: “The match is being held in Dublin at 8.10pm Friday; however, the last train from Dublin Connolly is scheduled for 8.55pm and Irish Rail is not putting on an additional service on the Sligo line serving rugby supporters in parts of Westmeath close to Mullingar, Longford and Sligo who will be attending this match unlike all the other main areas of the country.”
“It appears that all of the main line services from Dublin are provided for as additional services (Galway, Cork, Limerick, Belfast and Drogheda) but not the Dublin Connolly to Sligo service. This is grossly unfair to rugby supporters travelling to the game from parts of Westmeath near Mullingar, Longford and Sligo.”
Head of corporate communications with Iarnród Éireann, Barry Kenny, said the rail service was not in a position to add extra services: “Unfortunately we do not have the drivers and fleet for an additional service, given that Friday evening is a busy evening for scheduled services and there is a need for trains to be in place for scheduled services on Saturday morning also, as well as any requirements for overnight works taking place.”
He contradicted the belief that the Sligo line was the only one not included in the extended schedule: “We don’t have a late night service to Sligo for this match – however, it is not the case that “all the main areas” have such a service – only our two busiest Intercity routes – Dublin to Cork (with a connection for Limerick) and Dublin to Galway – have an additional service.
“Waterford, Rosslare, Kerry, Westport as well as Sligo do not. (Dublin to Belfast is operated by Translink).”
Mr Kenny apologised for the shortfall in service: “We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause, and we will continue to keep opportunities for additional services across the network under review for major events.”