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NAAS COMMUTER EXPERIENCE MUST BE IMPROVED – DIGNAN

Naas Fianna Fáil Candidate Terry Dignan has said that both short-term and long-term solutions are needed to improve the services for the thousands of Naas Residents who commute to work in Dublin every day.

Terry’s comments come on the back of a Public meeting Terry and James Lawless hosted on Thursday 18th April in Lawlor’s Hotel which focussed on public transport issues for local commuters out of which Terry and James have set up an action group with over twenty people signed up who want to see change.

Terry said, “James gave a very detailed update on the plans for the improvement in the Rail services. We had a pragmatic discussion on issues such as overcrowding on trains, lack of parking space, inadequate timetables, disability access and the feeder-bus service.”

“We also talked about short-term solutions such as having trains retrofitted with grab-handles and poles to improve safety. Longer-term solutions which James has been working on include extending the short-hop fare zone to Newbridge to ease demand at Sallins, and increasing the available Rail stock.”

Terry concluded, “I hope to be able to continue working with James on these and other issues if elected”

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James Lawless – New Train Timetable

A new timetable on the Kildare line will come into use from September 10th. However, it has been confirmed that a new timetable with additional services via the Phoenix Park tunnel to Grand Canal Dock in the mornings and, crucially, in the evenings is incoming.

A new timetable is being rolled out from September 10th. You can see the changes by going onto the website and future dating your search. The changes seem fairly minor for commuters from Sallins, Naas, Celbridge, Hazelhatch but improved services are incoming. Continue reading “James Lawless – New Train Timetable”

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Extra Capacity needed on Maynooth and Sallins trains – Lawless

James Lawless TD recently questioned the Taoiseach on the need for better public transport for the greater Dublin area.

“Currently the car parks at the Sallins and Naas station are averaging 165% to 175% capacity and other stations in the area experience similar problems.  With the car parks operating so far over capacity, anyone arriving past 7.30 a.m. would have no chance at a space.  I have been advised by Irish Rail that they would gladly expand the car park, provided the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport allow funding.  With this, I requested the Taoiseach to ask the Minister to examine the issue.”

“In response to my question the Taoiseach agreed that passenger numbers on the train have now exceeded the levels of before the financial crisis yet there has been no action to improve the lines.  The Taoiseach indicated that this matter will be considered as a part of a 10 year investment plan that the government intends to publish in the coming weeks.  The plan seeks to upgrade train lines significantly through additional carriages, electrification and car parks.”

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O’ROURKE – INCREASED CAPACITY NEEDED ON KILDARE LINE

Frank O’Rourke TD has again pressed Iarnrod Eireann to provide increased capacity on the Hazelhatch/Kildare Rail Line, for Celbridge and Naas rail commuters, as the numbers using the service grows.

“Since the Grand Canal Dock Line opened in 2016, the number of passengers, using the Kildare Line is increasing. The Kildare Line has now opened up commuters to the heart of the City Centre and more capacity is required.”

“I have raised the matter with Iarnrod Eireann and the National Transport Authority (NTA). Commuting to Dublin City Centre by car from North Kildare is now becoming almost impossible at peak times. Once we provide a regular and reliable public transport service, people will use it.”

“The reduction in the fares for Naas/Sallins users earlier this year, together with the opening up of the Kildare Line to the heart of the City Centre, is making the Kildare Line more attractive for commuters, and we must respond by providing more capacity.”,concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

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Cllr James Lawless criticises significant delays caused by roadworks

Cllr James Lawless has called for prompt conclusion of the roadworks currently causing delays around the town.

“As we are all too well aware, roadwork delays in the Naas area are adding to traffic woes. This has become particularly acute as the busy season commences and adverse weather makes driving conditions more difficult for motorists. There are three major roadworks projects underway: the Sallins Rd. roundabout widening, Main St. bus stop upgrades, and Kilcullen Rd. roadworks. All of these together are contributing adversely to the movement of traffic around Naas town and Sallins village. While it is welcome to see these projects being carried out, I would have hoped that they would have been carried out in a timely and efficient manner. Instead, we’ve had to put up with the opposite.”

“Therefore I’ve stressed  with stakeholders involved the URGENT need for prompt completion of the roadworks to relieve this traffic chaos, especially now in the run up to Christmas. The Sallins Rd. roundabout and Kilcullen Rd. upgrade in particular are simply taking far too long to complete. It is unacceptable. One would have thought that in this day we could deliver projects like these quickly and efficiently, but it’s worse they’re getting.” Continue reading “Cllr James Lawless criticises significant delays caused by roadworks”