Tanaiste Says Improved Train Services On The Way For Wexford As Fares Set To Rise Next Year

The Tanaiste says improved train services are on the way for County Wexford.

The many problems on the rail line between Rosslare and Dublin has been a hot button topic recently with many people calling for more frequency and updated services.

It comes following the announcement that public transport fares are set to increase by around 15 per cent in the new year.

At last night's meeting of the Fine Gael Think In in Gorey, Tanaiste Simon Harris says the party's local representatives are working to improve the service:

"Wexford, not to dissimilar to my own county of Wicklow, really does need to see a significant upgrade when it comes to trains.

"I'm working with Brian Brennan and Cathal Byrne on this and I know one of the big issues that I hear from people is the need for the commuter train to be expanded.

"I think it's already available in Gorey but the early train is not available in Wexford Town, Enniscorthy or Rosslare and I know Cathal is campaigning to get that service up to Brian's constituency and then improve the frequency of it."

The Government is trying to find the balance between the cost of a train ticket and funding an improved service according to the Tanaiste.

A petition was launched recently calling for the South Wexford rail line to be re-opened while campaign groups say the commuter trains need to be sped up to meet people's daily needs.

Tanaiste Simon Harris says they are examining ways to ensure people are getting value for money when they use the train:

"We also need to get the Park and Ride facilities on the N11 because they will be crucial and things like getting the DART down to Wicklow Town will have a positive knock on effect on traffic levels on the N11.

"Fares will still be a lot cheaper than they were years ago, some children's tickets will be coming down but it's always a balance between the cost of a ticket and the availability of a service and we need to get that balance right".

That report was funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.