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LAWLESS AND O’ROURKE CRITICISE DELAY IN PROVISION OF NEW RAIL STOCK

Both Kildare North Fianna Fáil TDs have said that the allocation of funding to provide new rail carriages will do little to alleviate the overcrowding challenges faced by passengers in the short and medium term along the Kildare line following reports that the first contract for new carriages is unlikely to be awarded before the end of the year.

James Lawless commented, “I welcome this long overdue investment in Irish rail services, which is now serving a record number of passengers each year. It is vital to invest in Ireland’s public transport, if we are to reduce the congestion and environmental pollution that is plaguing our country. While the funding for new carriages is to be welcomed, it is disappointing that the first contract, for 41 new carriages, is not due to be awarded until the end of the year.”

“This end of year delivery will do little to reduce overcrowding on trains in the short to medium term as the lead-in time for the delivery of all carriages is extremely long. Irish Rail has also dropped plans to refurbish older carriages in the fleet, ruling it out on cost grounds.” Continue reading “LAWLESS AND O’ROURKE CRITICISE DELAY IN PROVISION OF NEW RAIL STOCK”

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KELLY WELCOMES INVESTMENT IN SALLINS ROAD SAFETY MEASURES

Cllr Carmel Kelly has welcomed news that money has been allocated for much-needed road safety measures in Sallins.

Carmel commenced, “Among the works scheduled are the footpath in front of Marrons/Gala. Also two stretches of the road will be identified for placement of red friction surface with speed warnings in the New Year.”

“I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors on the Naas MDC for their support. These are steps in the right direction but we do need to continue to highlight our need for more road safety measures in the village.”

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LAWLESS CONFIRMS RETENTION OF NIGHTLINK SERVICE

James Lawless is pleased to announce that following his representations,Bus Eireann have agreed an extension to the 126N nightlink service.

Following these discussions, the company has agreed to extend the service for the next six weeks to see people up to and past the Christmas period.

James commented, “While Bus Eireann maintain that the service is operating at a loss, the NTA have agreed to cover costs over the next few weeks to ensure people have a safe means of transport to get back home from Christmas outing in Dublin.”

“The service will be examined again in the New Year. I want to thank Bus Éireann and the NTA for working with me on extending the service and I will press in the interim for clarity and consultation on what happens in the new year.”

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LAWLESS RAISES COMMUTERS CONCERNS WITH NTA

James Lawless along with the seven other Kildare Oireachtas Representatives has met with the National Transport Authority to discuss public transport services for County Kildare.

James raised the following points :

1) Insufficient capacity on commuter trains going unto Dublin, and similarly insufficient capacity on LUAS trams feeding into the city.
2) insufficient space at Sallins Rail Station Carpark:
3) The need to change trains at Hazelhatch on homeward journeys to Sallins using the new City Centre services due to start next month.
4) The necessity for later trains returning from Dublin to serve Kilcock for commuters.
5) The need to expand the Feeder Bus Network.
6) Request on an update on Busconnects following Public Consultations.
7) The need for requested stops along the route of the 139 Bus service.

James has outlined the following response he received from the NTA.

Continue reading “LAWLESS RAISES COMMUTERS CONCERNS WITH NTA”

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O’ROURKE WELCOMES PROGRESS ON MAYNOOTH BUS ORBITAL ROUTE

Frank O’Rourke TD has welcomed news from the National Transport Authority that it will examine the feasibility of providing an Orbital Bus Route linking Ardclough, Straffan and Maynooth.

The NTA confirmed the study following representations made by Deputy O’Rourke.

Frank commented, “I received confirmation from the NTA that it will examine the potential of providing an Orbital Bus Route linking Ardclough, Straffan and Maynooth. This Orbital Route would provide residents in Ardclough and Straffan with a link to a regular bus and rail public transport service, a connection to the Maynooth Business Park, and a link to NUI Maynooth, opening up this area to the Rent-a-Room Scheme for student accommodation.”

“I am meeting Dublin Bus with the aim of improving the unacceptable service on Route 67 and 67X at the moment. Many bus commuters have made contact with me to highlight the poor service in recent times and we need to address this issue as well.”