O’Brien urges Fingal commuters to input into rail review consultation process

               - Rail network needed to support large number of commuters -
                          - Deadline for submissions is fast approaching -
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Dublin Fingal Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has said rail users should make submissions to the National Transport Authority’s consultation process on the future of rail services in Ireland.  
 
The National Transport Authority is currently seeking views from the public regarding how our rail network should develop over the coming years. Deputy O’Brien is encouraging people to have their say in this consultation. 

“The number of people living in Fingal is now close to 300,000; an increase of 8pc in the past five years and over 20,000 more than 2011. More and more people are choosing to live in the North County while working in the city as both house prices and rent continue to rise. Despite this dramatic spike in commuter population, little is being done to improve transport services in the area. 
 
"As the Government stall on the development of Metro North, Rail services in Fingal are vital pieces of infrastructure that provide transport links which enable local people to commute to work and offer cost-effective, reliable ways for tourists to visit our county. 

“As our country grapples with a housing crisis, we need to ensure that our rail network is fit for purpose, and we should prioritise its maintenance and expansion in feeder towns such as Donabate, Malahide and Portmarnock,” argued Deputy O’Brien.

“Those who use the rail services in the North County must now show their support for the retention and expansion of routes by engaging with the review.

"We must highlight other challenges such as parking at our stations, flexible timetables, and better off peak services both bus and rail. We also need more park and ride facilities across the constituency given the high demand on commuter rail services.

“The deadline for submissions for the consultation process is next Wednesday, 18th January. I am encouraging all rail users, businesses and those involved in the tourism sector to outline the importance of this vital service to the county and ensure that the frequency of services do not come under threat”, concluded O’Brien.