Dear Editor,
Iarnród Éireann’s recent difficulties elucidate the operational complexities of operating a high-speed hourly train service from Dublin to Belfast, alongside a frequent local service on the same track. Echoing these complications, the functionality of both the express and regular services often takes a hit, with reliability being the biggest victim. The problem intensifies as the frequency of both kinds of services increases.
Out of the four main passages into the city from different directions – north, south, west, and southwest – solely the southwest route into Heuston Station boasts a four-track line. This arrangement facilitates both express and local services to run with relative independence.
The lack of separation on the northern line implied that a supplementary morning express from Belfast created an unwanted gap in the commuter service timetable. This demanded an unachievable level of operational precision, making it unsustainable considering the typical minor delays, thereby leading to the recent chaos.
Although returning to the previous timetable might seem an immediate solution, it will come at the cost of aspirations to launch a swift, hourly Belfast service and will be merely a temporary fix. Regrettably, the DART+ scheme intends to significantly boost the frequency of commuter services on the Northern and Western lines, but unfortunately, there are no solid plans, currently, to develop the track infrastructure on these routes to separate these services from the Belfast and Sligo express services. The result of this is highly anticipated to be problematic.
Yours Sincerely,
Stephen Kernan,
Glasnevin,
Dublin 11.