Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell has expressed his concern over the closure of the DART over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
“According to Irish Rail, there will be no train service between Connolly and Malahide/Howth stations on Saturday 5th, Sunday 6th and Monday 7th May.
“I am very disappointed at the decision by Irish Rail to cancel their train service for these areas over the May bank holiday weekend. This is the start of the summer season where people have extra time off work and are free to travel to seaside villages such as Malahide and Skerries to enjoy the sunshine, or into the city centre for some shopping.
“The decision to stop the DART for this busy weekend will impede any tourism revenue that Dublin North’s seaside villages are endeavouring to attract, as well as discourage those who wish to travel into town to shop and spend money in the city centre.
“It is my opinion that at this moment in time, where spending and the economy is so crucial, that Irish Rail should have made it a priority to find an alternative means to carry out works, either at night time, or even during a weekend that is not so targeted for tourism and spending. It also means that anyone travelling from Belfast to Dublin for the bank holiday weekend will have no direct train access to the city centre.
“I have raised this issue with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar TD and Director of Irish Rail Barry Kenny and I hope that this decision can be reviewed in time for the weekend.”