Sir, – While one can welcome the re-opening of the Phoenix Park tunnel to passenger traffic, it must be noted that there is already an infrastructure in place linking Heuston and Connolly Stations via the Luas red line and Dublin Bus.
Commuters on the southeast line between Dublin and Rosslare Europort would have to be concerned about this development, given that one of the reasons there have been no timetable improvements on this line in recent years is the lack of available track space at Connolly Station.
One has to wonder if this is yet another nail in the coffin of a very under-utilised service which currently offers very little to commuters outside of rush hour times.
The future of the “ghost” terminal at Rosslare was put in doubt following the closure of the Rosslare to Waterford service and the removal of the tracks beside the terminal building.
The station at Rosslare Europort was relocated to an uncovered platform over 500m from the terminal building, and it now serves no useful purpose as the trains still leave mostly empty before the ferries have docked.
Surely it would be more beneficial to invest in the existing services on this line before they are lost altogether.
Poor timetables and lack of services to meet the demands of commuters saw the closure of Rosslare to Waterford service, and will almost certainly see the closure of the line south of Wexford town initially, and ultimately put the future of services south of Greystones in doubt.
Irish Rail needs to invest in other areas and maintain services rather than closing them down.
– Yours, etc,
ROBIN D HEATHER
Wicklow.