More than 1,000 Dundalk commuters to benefit from extra train services – Fitzpatrick

“Dundalk’s Clarke Station currently serves over 1,000 commuters every day and I have no doubt that this will increase as services expand”, says Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick.

“The Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe, today (Tuesday) announced plans to expand Dundalk train services, including providing an extra morning peak express service. This will benefit over 1,000 commuters who already use this service and is likely to attract more to taking the train.

“Clarke railway station in Dundalk was recently named Overall Best Train Station in Ireland at the annual Iarnród Éireann Best Station Awards and the station has received a further boost today with news of extra services.

“The proposals being put forward include plans for an extra express morning peak service from Dundalk to Drogheda. The existing morning Belfast Enterprise service will now serve Dundalk at the earlier time of 7.30am and Drogheda at 7.54am. A new express service is proposed to depart Dundalk at 7.55am, serving Drogheda at 8.20am.

“There are also plans for increased frequency for Dundalk, as this peak service is one of three new services in each direction daily for Dundalk on weekdays.
“Dundalk is central to the local economy in Co. Louth; it provides an easy link for people to come to the town for work or for study, and it facilitates those who commute but still want to live in Dundalk. Additional services are very much to be welcomed and I would encourage all those who are interested to get involved in the consultation which is planned for early 2016. 
“Additional services for Dundalk customers is another indication that the local economy is growing and that more people are at work. It is important that we do everything we can to keep the recovery going and to encourage continued job growth.
“Draft schedule revisions for 2016 have been posted online at www.irishrail.ie for customers to review and comment upon.”