"We got it wrong" IRISH RAIL backtracks to fix timetable

Wednesday 9 Oct 2024 - Alexander Broderick, Intern at Metro Dublin

August's timetable changes increased intercity services but triggered major congestion and widespread delays on routes into Dublin's Connolly Station.

Irish Rail's new timetable, introduced in late August to increase intercity services, has had unintended consequences, with many passengers facing severe delays and congestion, particularly on routes into Dublin’s Connolly Station. The additional services have created a strain on the rail network, leading to frustration for commuters.

​Addressing the issue on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne this Thursday, Irish Rail spokesperson Barry Kenny admitted that the changes had backfired. "We got it wrong," Kenny stated, acknowledging the ongoing disruptions over the past few weeks.

To address these issues, Irish Rail is set to roll out a revised timetable by mid-October. This means passengers will continue to experience delays for another few weeks, bringing the total duration of disruption to over six weeks before improvements are implemented. Key adjustments will be made to the Belfast route, including changes to the 06:00hrs and 07:00hrs Belfast to Dublin services, with new arrival times of 08:23hrs and 09:20hrs, respectively. To ease congestion at Malahide, the 07:50hrs Dublin Connolly to Belfast service will be moved forward to 07:40hrs.

Additionally, minor changes to the DART, Northern, Maynooth, and Phoenix Park Tunnel commuter services will take effect, alongside a slight adjustment to one Dublin to Rosslare train.
Despite the disruptions, the increased services to Galway, Waterford, and Belfast introduced on August 26 will remain unchanged.
"Irish Rail deeply regrets the disruption to our customers' daily journeys and lives which have resulted from timetable changes since August 26," the rail operator said.

My Thoughts on Easing Congestion on the Northern Line.

Personally, I believe the major issue causing delays on the Northern Line from Connolly to Belfast is the heavy traffic on a dual rail system. The mix of freight, intercity, commuter, and DART services all competing for space on the same tracks creates choke points. A potential solution could be expanding the line from dual to quad tracks, allowing more flexibility and reducing congestion.

​Additionally, Metro Dublin’s Island Rail Project could play a key role in easing these issues. The proposed rail line would connect Glasnevin to Dublin Airport, linking with the Northern Line at Donabate and extending up to Belfast. This would provide much-needed relief to the congested route, offering a long-term solution to the capacity problems.

As Irish Rail continues to work on fixing the timetable, commuters can only hope the upcoming changes will help restore normal service. However, a long-term fix requires more substantial infrastructure improvements.