Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD is encouraging commuters, students and members of the public across Cork North West and East Kerry to make a submission to the current Iarnród Éireann timetable consultation calling for the existing 5.45am Tralee–Cork service to operate on Monday mornings.
The 5.45am service currently operates from Tuesday to Friday, providing an important early morning connection for passengers boarding at Rathmore, Millstreet and Banteer and travelling onwards to Mallow and Cork for work and college.
Deputy O’Shea said there is a strong case for extending the service to Mondays and is encouraging everyone who would benefit from the change to make their views known through the current consultation.
Deputy O’Shea said “I am encouraging commuters, students and all regular rail users in Rathmore, Millstreet, Banteer and the wider area to make a submission to Iarnród Éireann in support of extending the 5.45am Tralee–Cork service to Monday mornings.
“This is a very straightforward request. The service already operates successfully from Tuesday to Friday, and it provides a vital early morning connection for people travelling to Mallow and Cork for work and college. Monday is one of the busiest commuting days of the week, and it makes little sense that passengers have access to this early morning connection from Tuesday to Friday but not on a Monday.
“For someone starting work or college early in Cork, having an early train can make the difference between being able to use public transport or having to rely on a car. Extending this service would give people a genuine alternative to driving and would help encourage greater use of the Mallow–Tralee rail line.
“I fully recognise the importance of the existing 4.30am Monday Tralee–Mallow service, particularly for passengers connecting with the first Dublin service from Mallow. However, I believe there is a genuine demand for both services and Iarnród Éireann should look at providing the additional fleet and driver resources required to allow both to operate.
“I am asking people across the communities served by Rathmore, Millstreet and Banteer to make a submission to the consultation. The more people who clearly demonstrate the demand for this service, the stronger our case will be.
“I will continue to engage with Iarnród Éireann on this issue and will be making the case that the 5.45am Tralee–Cork service should be extended to Monday mornings at the earliest possible opportunity.”»
Deputy O’Shea said the proposed change would provide a more consistent timetable throughout the working week, improve access to employment and education, and give commuters a stronger incentive to leave the car at home.
He added “The Mallow–Tralee line is an essential transport link for rural communities across Cork North West and East Kerry. We need to continue improving the service and ensuring that the timetable reflects the needs of the people who use it.
“I would strongly encourage anyone who supports this proposal to take a few minutes to make a submission to the Iarnród Éireann consultation and specifically highlight the importance of the 5.45am Monday service for Rathmore, Millstreet and Banteer.”
This is the current Monday service
This is the current Tuesday – Friday service.
