Calls for Urgent Action on East Coast Transport as Commuter Frustration Grows

A North Wexford South Wicklow TD says poor public transport and worsening traffic congestion have become some of the biggest issues facing people living in Wexford and Wicklow.

Fianna Fáil Deputy Malcolm Byrne says complaints from constituents about transport have increased significantly in recent months, with overcrowded rail services, regular Expressway bus cancellations and daily delays on the M11 among the main concerns.

Deputy Byrne has criticised what he describes as a lack of investment in transport infrastructure along the East Coast, saying commuters travelling south from Dublin are being left behind.

He pointed to the contrast between plans to expand the Belfast rail line from two to four tracks, while the Rosslare rail line continues to operate on a single track despite growing demand.

The Wicklow-Wexford TD also highlighted ongoing congestion where the M11 meets the M50, describing it as a major bottleneck that affects thousands of motorists every day. He said concerns over transport infrastructure are also impacting housing development, with Transport Infrastructure Ireland raising objections to proposed housing at Fassaroe in Bray due to capacity issues on the road network.

Deputy Byrne says he, along with Fianna Fáil colleagues Cormac Devlin TD and Senator Pat Casey, has been raising the issue with Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien and officials in the Department of Transport.

He is now calling on the Government, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and State transport operators to prioritise investment in road, rail and bus services along the East Coast, saying commuters deserve a reliable and properly connected transport network.