10. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the actions his Department is undertaking to address capacity issues on InterCity rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22868/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

This is to ask the Minister what actions his Department is taking to address capacity issues on InterCity and regional rail services, particularly in the context of increased numbers of people using public transport, as the Minister mentioned.

Sentiment score: 0.27

The issue of overcrowding on services, particularly at peak times in and out of Galway city at stations such as Athenry has been raised with me. I have met Irish Rail to discuss this. For example, we have only two carriages on the first train arriving into Galway city at 8.10 a.m. every day. We have seen serious overcrowding and it has been a safety issue. As the Minister mentioned, there are new carriages arriving in Dublin. They will not become operational until 2026. Irish Rail has informed me that once these new carriages become operational in Dublin, the diesel carriages that are currently being used there can be moved to regional routes but that will be dependent on the new stock passing testing, etc. There is no real guarantee for commuters experiencing delays and capacity constraints right now that the position will improve. The passing loop at Oranmore will allow for more regular services but that is further down the line. We have a serious issue in the interim. Is the Minister looking at a solution to that?

Sentiment score: 0.10

I welcome the Minister's commitment to raise this issue with Irish Rail. I will also raise the lack of early morning services into the city. As I have mentioned, that first train arrives at 8.10 a.m. Again, there are restrictions with the single track but is that going to be looked at? There are issues with morning services being late. I ask the Minister to engage with Irish Rail on that and on the need for more services later into the evening for commuters returning home. Will the Government look at fully double-tracking the line from Athenry to Galway? The passing loop at Oranmore is very welcome but it will not future-proof our rail services against increased demand. We have growing towns and villages. If the western rail corridor is to be reopened and if we are to build a proper commuter rail service, we will need full double-tracking. I urge the Minister to progress that.

Sentiment score: 0.18