Calls made for high-capacity public transport

AN IRISH Rail signalling issue on Tuesday morning meant that commuters in Lucan, Ballyfermot and Clondalkin dealt with delays on their way to work, after calls were made for “high-capacity public transport” and new plans to alleviate issues.

A signalling problem occurred as commuters made their way to work and led to delays of more than an hour for those in local communities who work in the city centre, and local representatives recently raised issues commuters face on journeys to and from local areas.

Dublin Mid West TD Mark Ward noted that passengers taking trains at local stops are struggling with capacity issues on public transport and claimed some are “fainting on the trains.”

Deputy Ward said: “Because of the lack of train capacity, this is the reality of it, we have passengers in my area who are fainting on the trains because of overcrowding as they try to go to work.”

He also called for attention to be provided to the Dart+ South West project, that could help grow capacity to approximately 20,000 passengers per hour on 23 trains.

Planning permission was granted in 2024, but the project is not expected to move forward before 2030.

The local representative questioned the rise of public transport fees planned and that some may “pay more for the privilege of fainting.”

Public transport fees are set to rise next year, with commuters in Tallaght, Clondalkin and other communities set to be affected.

Recently, Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe called for these communities to be provided with a higher capacity of public transport, as well as a clear plan for future MetroLink works in the area to be established “without further delay.”

A voluntary organisation made up of over 40 residents associations in Tallaght, Rathfarnham and surrounding areas has pushed for the Metro to link up with the Red Line Luas stop by The Square as part of the next phase of works following the initial line’s completion.

Deputy Crowe said: “Making public transport affordable is only one part of the challenge. We also need a massive expansion of capacity.

“The State must accelerate investment in rail and public transport infrastructure right across Dublin. MetroLink is an important part of that investment, but ambition cannot stop there.

“Communities across the South and South West of the city and county have waited long enough for high-capacity public transport. We need a clear plan for MetroLink South West, with the route, funding, planning and delivery programmes established without further delay.”