Upgrade of Phoenix Park Tunnel will cut travel time for Kildare commuters – Lawlor

“The planned upgrade of the Phoenix Park tunnel will cut the travel time for Kildare people commuting to work in Dublin”, says Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Anthony Lawlor. Deputy Lawlor was speaking after Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, announced a €13.7 million project to upgrade the Phoenix Park Tunnel in order to cater for commuter trains.

“This project will mean that commuter trains on the Kildare to Dublin Heiston line will travel onwards to Connolly, Tara St, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock Stations, which is a real boost for Kildare commuters.

“Currently people traveling from Hazelhatch, Naas and Sallins, have to get off the train at Heuston station and travel by bus or on foot into the centre of Dublin. Having the option to take the train directly into the city will dramatically reduce their travel time.

“I have been calling for this upgrade of the Phoenix Park Tunnel for a long time and I am delighted that Minister Donohoe has confirmed that the new train services will commence in Autumn 2016.

“The tunnel, which was opened in 1877, is currently used for freight services, transfer of trains between maintenance depots, and special trains for events like matches, concerts and charters. So it makes total sense to upgrade this line for use by commuters.

“This tunnel upgrade, along with the recent completed upgrade to the N7 at Newland’s Cross, means that by next year, connectivity between Kildare and Dublin will never have been better.”