Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell has described Irish Rail’s decision to retain full DART services for the weekend as a ‘welcome development for the local economy’. Director of Irish Rail Barry Kenny has confirmed that all train services, including DART, Northern Commuter and Enterprise Services will be running as normal throughout the weekend.
“Earlier this week I called on Irish Rail and the Department of Transport to review this decision as a matter of urgency, due to the negative impact it would have on a possible boost of revenue generated by tourism and travel this weekend.
“”The May bank holiday weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year for retailers and the hospitality sector. This is the beginning of the summer tourist season and businesses in Dublin North traditionally expect a significant surge in footfall around seaside villages such as Malahide, Skerries, Rush and Balbriggan.
“Train services are vital to encourage people to get out and enjoy our villages. It is also a vital encouragement for shoppers to visit the city centre, allowing retailers to benefit from the welcome increase in customers. This would have been a genuine loss to local business, especially at a time when we are working so hard to promote local trade and tourism.
“While I accept the necessity of the works that are being carried out, I urged Irish Rail Director Barry Kenny directly to investigate alternative dates to provide necessary servicing for the benefit of our local economy. I also raised the issue with the Minister for Transport. Mr Kenny clearly outlined to me that this decision was made due to Irish Rail requiring sufficient time to carry out signalling works, and I commend him and those in Irish Rail for finding an alternative and safe method to providing these vital services.
“I am delighted that this decision has been made in good time before the weekend and I hope businesses in the area take full advantage of this opportunity.”