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O’Malley to question Iarnród Éireann chiefs on Second Dart Closure
Progressive Democrats TD for Dun Laoghaire Fiona O’Malley is to challenge Iarnród Eireann chiefs to explain why they are again suspending weekend services on the southern Dart line, when they appear before this afternoon’s meeting of the Transport Committee.
Services on the Southside Dart line are once again to be suspended every weekend (beginning this Saturday) for a period of six months.
‘I think it is incomprehensible that the weekend Southside Dart service is to be withdrawn again by Iarnrod Eireann with scant regard for the travelling public. Commuters were told when the Southside Dart line was shut down previously that it was a one off, and an improved service would be the result. Now the service is being disrupted once more, and at the worst possible time for local businesses in areas like Dun Laoghaire and Bray as we head into the busy tourist season.’
‘I want to know the exact reasons why this second disruption to service is deemed necessary? Is it just sheer incompetence on the part of Iarnrod Eireann? Why couldn’t all the essential repairs be carried out during the earlier work? Do we really need to shut the service again, every weekend, for the next six months? These are the questions I will put to Iarnród Éireann bosses this afternoon.’
Deputy O’Malley has written to Iarnród Eireann management on the issue, but despite a number of calls to the management office, has yet to receive a response.
‘I will make clear to Iarnrod Eireann that I think they are treating their customers with contempt. This cavalier attitude is only to be expected from a state monopoly.’
‘Iarnród Eireann will no doubt point out that a bus service is being laid on, but during the last closure this service was arbitrary at best, and the journey time is twice that of the Dart.’
‘I am also going to request that the Minister for Transport examine the possibility of withdrawing the state subvention to Iarnrod Eireann for the days on which there is no Dart service. Why should the tax payer foot the bill for a service that is being withdrawn?
Iarnrod Eireann continues to show contempt for its customers – perhaps threatening to hit the company in the pocket is the only way to guarantee improved service.
Ends