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Plans to end direct rail services between Wexford and Dublin

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Comments

  • #102
    dowlingm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,337 ✭✭✭dowlingm


    the elephant in the room of this service is the fragility of the alignment. Trapped against the shoreline until Wicklow, including several rounds of rock armouring at the Murrough, then turning west through wetlands. At some point Bray Head may need new tunnelling to once again retreat from cliff face instability. This is already an expensive issue for IE but if the Irish Sea warms and/or rises as science tells us we should expect, the battering the sea front will take is likely to cause significant breaches.



  • #103
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,239 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122281882#Comment_122281882

    Rathdrum is one of the busiest stations in the morning, both for the Gorey 1st train and the Rosslare 1st train, it is in effect where the train fills all the seats 3 of the 5 days a week from September to May. Due to the speed of the line, people often realise with the Rosslare 1st train, that driving will get you there ahead of rush hour in regards leaving from anywhere before Arklow, but costs a bomb. During school term time, Wexford station is far busier on the second train, and the afternoon returning trains servicing a lot of secondary school students going back from town but WB has alleviated this with the local routes in recent years but there are always 40 or 50 there. During summer it is day trippers from Rosslare Strand mainly. During term time, college students are there Monday and Friday (Friday is always over packed on every returning train, except the first one, all day long). Many work from home Monday and Friday which means the Friday train up is full but not busy, but that is the only day it is truly not busy.



  • #104
    Working class heroes
    Registered Users Posts: 3,588 ✭✭✭Working class heroes


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122282672#Comment_122282672

    Rathdrum is not nor never has been busier than Arklow, Gorey or within an asses roar of Wicklow.

    Racism is now hiding behind the cloak of Community activism.



  • #105
    Beta Ray Bill
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,805 ✭✭✭Beta Ray Bill


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122274124#Comment_122274124

    In fairness it is pretty busy in the summer.

    There are a stack of people who spend their summer in Wexford in Mobile homes. Rather than driving, they often get the train up and down and get a family member to collect them (usually from Gorey)

    I didn't believe this myself until I witnessed it.

    Particularly teens going up and down from Wexford to Dublin. It's our version of the LGV they run to the Alps during the winter months 🤣



  • #106
    Beta Ray Bill
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,805 ✭✭✭Beta Ray Bill


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122282507#Comment_122282507

    Yup, you're talking huge money to bore through that.

    That being said, it offers an opportunity to increase the loading on that part of the track.

    I've said it multiple times, there's gonna need to be a huge political push to sort out the rail network here and bite the bullet of the costs.

    Double and Quad tracking is common on mainland EU as it Electrification and Double deck rolling stock.

    I've often thought we could do with HS Rail, but Gravity models seem to suggest otherwise (Maybe Belfast/Dublin/Cork)

    Regardless, we seem to be way behind.

    In relation to money, the portion of rail between Kilbarrack and Raheny needs to be redone.. "Badly". The community liaison officer only told me this week they have finally been given funding for it. (waiting years apparently). So if it takes that long to replace worn out rails (Basic maintenance) imagine how long a serious project like double tracking Greystones via a new tunnel would take.



  • #107
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,239 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122283916#Comment_122283916

    I can only tell you what I see in the morning, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, from September to May, it is on par with Gorey and Arklow if not busier for the first train. Now don't forget, all 3 have had their first train already but even on that, the few times I have gotten it, Rathdrum and Arklow are on par, but Gorey is no different than Enniscorthy or Wexford. Home working means the morning trains on Friday (and Monday to a lesser extent) are substantially quieter. You are right about Wicklow, far more there. Greystones is absolutely mental, over full Tue to Thur. Again for Greystones, bypass it, the DART it overtakes is empty. Either overtake and continue the run or overtake and stop at Bray at platform 3, have a DART waiting and then the Greystones one after will not get overpacked. I realise there are driver and stock issues but none of this is rocket science but again, not a train buff so there are probably other issues.



  • #108
    The J Stands for Jay
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,820 ✭✭✭The J Stands for Jay


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122279669#Comment_122279669

    I choose the time I leave work in order to avoid certain train types. It's a massive difference in standing most of the way, or getting a seat due to the different train layouts



  • #109
    breezy1985
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,290 ✭✭✭✭breezy1985


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122285943#Comment_122285943

    Oh I would understand that alright but this idea that any train in Ireland is a "boneshaker" is pure hyperbole.



  • #110
    Glaceon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,286 ✭✭✭Glaceon


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122285943#Comment_122285943

    I do the same, but the opposite to the last few posts. I used to get the 8:20 Enterprise from Drogheda to Connolly but it’s often standing room only by then. Rather than me standing on a bad knee (torn meniscus) for 40 minutes, I started getting the 7:58 commuter instead. It at least guarantees me a seat and gets in around the same time.



  • #111
    The J Stands for Jay
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,820 ✭✭✭The J Stands for Jay


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122285968#Comment_122285968

    Not by the classic definition l, but the difference is night and day. One one had there is a 4 carriage train of short carriages, few seats, smells of fumes, is extremely loud inside and occasionally one can't see out the windows to know where to get off. On the other hand, I can get an intercity train with plenty of seats, doesn't smell, quiet enough to be able to listen to podcasts. It's night and day.



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  • #112
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,239 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122285968#Comment_122285968

    It's just a nickname for sh1t in comparison, I don't think anyone thinks it's genuinely a bineshaker



  • #113
    Glaceon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,286 ✭✭✭Glaceon


    I used to hear that term used to describe the Cravens in the latter of their service lives. But at the same time, I do understand the dislike for the CAF 29k units. They’re very reliable and excellent people movers, but also very loud and not overly comfortable. Fine for a jaunt to Balbriggan or even Drogheda, but I definitely wouldn’t want one to Sligo, Belfast or Rosslare. I couldn’t count the amount of times I’ve been greeted by the smell of vomit when I got on one.



  • #114
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,239 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122288960#Comment_122288960

    They finally cleaned the two too Rosslare so the smell of Urine is finally gone. For how long, who knows. You get used to the noise but it isn't comfortable. The ICRs are simply glorious in comparison.

    Train packed today on the midday one with 300 minimum on a 3 carriage going to PINK.



  • #115
    breezy1985
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,290 ✭✭✭✭breezy1985


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122288941#Comment_122288941

    Well it's been claimed here that it's a barrier to train use in Ireland which I just don't believe.



  • #116
    end of the road
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,229 ✭✭✭✭end of the road


    it would be a barrier to an extent to be fair, but how much of a one would be hard to quantify, and even then it would depend on routes.

    I'm very highly educated. I know words, i have the best words, nobody has better words then me.



  • #117
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,239 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122289173#Comment_122289173

    It definitely is, I considered switching my annual ticket to Wexford bus when I had to get in earlier. The train is just to reliable but if I was better paid, I'd be driving to Gorey every morning rather than getting it for Wexford. The difference is immense and well worth it. My wife only gets the train now if the kids are going with her as she despises the 29000s (is that the right name). I opted out of WB as I couldn't take that long a journey without moving around / stretching, but less regular commuters I am sure would be fine with that.



  • #118
    Glaceon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,286 ✭✭✭Glaceon


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122289369#Comment_122289369

    That’s correct.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%C3%89_29000_Class



  • #119
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,239 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    The extra trains over the Fleadh worked well, it did really highlight the need to upgrade the line to increase the speed limit though as that was the main issue. It was disappointing they didn't run more in the early morning but understandable as it wasn't what they were aiming for.



  • #120
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,239 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    Also in relation to numbers, an extra carriage is on most of the Wexford bound trains, still full but a reduction in standing numbers. Numbers at Wexford station have skyrocketed this last week.



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  • #121
    p_haugh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,281 ✭✭✭p_haugh


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122557600#Comment_122557600

    Yeah was great to see the extra late services for the week. Shame they didn't add any morning services, not great only being able to get down for 2pm!



  • #122
    josip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,218 ✭✭✭✭josip


    I read in the paper that the last train from Rosslare will now leave at 17:55 allowing people on the 17:30 boat to catch it.

    It reminded me of when I would go to Rosslare once a year in the 80s on a Sunday evening to watch the boat come in. I think from France, would have been around 7/8pm. As we were walking over to the lighthouse at the end of the pier, there would usually be a train idling at the end of the tracks. Not sure what time the train actually left, but was always just before the boat tied up. Am I remembering this correctly? Was it the boat from France or Fishguard?



  • #123
    end of the road
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,229 ✭✭✭✭end of the road


    the train would have gone down to the end of the pier originally, there was even a pier station but if i remember correctly that and the old mainland station closed i think when the existing terminal building was built around 1989 i think it was.
    the pier tracks were used to store trains when not in service until i think the station at the terminal was closed and the tracks removed which was around 2007/8?
    i can't be of any help as to what boat you saw or exact time tables of the era but you would have saw a train on the pier alright.

    I'm very highly educated. I know words, i have the best words, nobody has better words then me.



  • #124
    Glaceon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,286 ✭✭✭Glaceon


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122581443#Comment_122581443

    Yes, I was in Rosslare once with a 141 and Cravens in the early 2000s. The train was brought to the pier to run around.



  • #125
    OisinCooke
    Registered Users Posts: 98 ✭✭OisinCooke


    It’s just nuts to me that Iarnród Éireann actually own and operate Rosslare Eurosport and that there’s still ferries that don’t link up with trains and vice versa…! This is a good step forward but still, it should be the standard! It was the same story with the Waterford - Rosslare service and look what happened that! Not calling it the prime cause but I’m sure it had something to do with it

    IÉ have a terrible habit of mistreating their secondary and branch routes (and anything that doesn’t go by Dublin) which still connects major towns and cities. The reason that numbers are so bad on the Rosslare line, the Waterford-Limerick line, the Limerick-Galway line and the Nenagh branch are because the service they provide is next to nothing and not at all fit for purpose, for leisure or commuting. Pre-09:00 arrivals on all these lines as well as much more regular middle-of-the-day services with more competitive journey times (which are so achievable in all 4 lines I mentioned above) would tell a completely different story!!



  • #126
    Vic_08
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,059 ✭✭✭Vic_08


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122581204#Comment_122581204

    Tables B and C

    https://timetableworld.com/ttw-viewer.php?token=5490decb-b7f4-4d07-8d85-19ca566445fd



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  • #127
    josip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,218 ✭✭✭✭josip


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122583702#Comment_122583702

    (For when the thanks button isn't enough) That's a brilliant link, it's like traveling back in time. I can almost smell the oil on the tracks over by the pier. If I'm reading it correctly then the train I remember is the 20:15 which would have fitted in with our schedule of the time (lap of Lady's Island in the afternoon, loooong mass, picnic with slightly soggy ham and tomato sandwiches, off to Rosslare to watch the boats tie up and disembark.) That 20:15 train didn't go to Dublin as I had thought, but to Waterford, where it terminated? Apologies for taking the thread OT.

    image.png



  • #128
    Not made with hands
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 205 ✭✭Not made with hands


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122581204#Comment_122581204

    Boats from France would have been irregular so unlikely to be tied to rail service. As the timetable shows they were tied to London bound train services.



  • #129
    purplepanda
    Registered Users Posts: 1,071 ✭✭✭purplepanda


    Were the South Wexford lines stops at Bridgetown, Wellington Bridge & Campile request stops only so not not shown on the timetable above?

    Many time I arrived struggling with luggage at Wellington Bridge or Campile on the packed Rosslare Waterford train which was much longer than the platform! I assumed those services went to Limerick Junction?

    EDIT: Table 5 at the previous link, Rosslare service via Wellington Bridge & Campile to Waterford, connect for Kilkenny / Newbridge Dublin services.

    Fascinating looking at international rail sail timetables from back in the day. 😁

    Post edited by purplepanda on


  • #130
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,239 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    So the schools are back and I had expected a slump in numbers, boy was I wrong. Monday and Friday are comfortable but it is standing room only for anyone getting on in Rathdrum Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week, by the time we got to Greystones it was not possible for people to get on. Great to see but I hope they do something about carriage numbers or service frequency before people get fed up and find another way.



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