At Gorey railway station, early in the morning, patrons awaiting the Rosslare-Dublin train share a common consensus: should Irish Rail opt to stop services from Wexford at either Wicklow or Greystones for more frequent trips on this line, it would be a greatly beneficial move.
The National Transport Authority and the company are contemplating ending the direct service to Dublin coming from Rosslare, and instead have the passengers transfer from intercity trains to Dart services at the Wicklow or Greystones stations.
Seamus Carroll, a regular commuter on this line, is very enthusiastic about this potential change. “They’ve finally heard us. This is the smartest thing ever,” he proclaims. Carroll has been a staunch advocate for this move, insisting that the limited number of trains on the Dublin-Rosslare line, including the commuter service to Gorey, has always been a significant problem. More frequent journeys on the Dart line could practically improve access to any location, he says, unperturbed by the possible inconvenience of switching trains at Wicklow or Greystones. The Dart train provides more stops than the diesel-fueled trains, which is a mirror of his satisfaction.
Another commuter, Barbara Campbell, boards the 6.43am train heading to Kilcoole from Gorey. She recounts that “A friend drives me to Bulford, where I’m employed, from the train station.” but in the evening she is forced to catch a bus ride to Greystones since the return train does not pass through Kilcoole. “Its absence is quite telling.”
The bus service from Kilcoole to Greystones is not always reliable, forcing Campbell to take a taxi at times. The possibility of missing her train from Greystones doesn’t give her any other choice. A Dart train to Wicklow would include Kilcoole, simplifying her daily commute, she remarks.
James Duffy, a fellow Gorey resident, is also supportive of this service change. He shares Carroll’s sentiment about the extensive reach provided by the Dart network. He states, “Getting to Greystones gives you the freedom to go anywhere.”
Joanne Slone, a commuter from Wexford, wholeheartedly supports the proposed plan to switch trains either in Wicklow or Greystones, providing there is an increase in the number of trains available.
Conversely, Carlos Brasil doesn’t share the same enthusiasm. Having relocated to Gorey three months ago, primarily due to the availability of a direct train to his workplace at Dublin’s ESB, Carlos works aboard the train, categorising this time as part of his workday. He expresses concern for potential problems arising with local connections, unpleasant weather conditions, and increased stops on the Dart route towards the centre of the city. He unequivocally thinks it’s an irrational suggestion.
Meanwhile, patrons engaging the 4.30pm service from Connolly to Rosslare, often visiting Dublin for leisure or familial reasons, seemingly exhibit reluctance towards the concept of switching trains.
One such passenger, Paul Byrne, states his belief that transferring passengers mid-journey is an unwise idea. Paul, who was visiting relatives in Dublin with his wife, Mary, prefers the convenience of a continuous, unbroken journey. Highlighting their preference for intercity journeys with broader seats and ample table space, Paul states they always choose between bus or train travel but decidedly favour trains.
His wife, Mary Byrne, echoes this sentiment, describing the notion of a transition, particularly in unpredictable weather conditions, as unappealing.
Alan Forsythe, a regular passenger from Gorey, typically catches the 5:50 am train, allowing him to be in Dublin before 8 am. Recommending the intercity train for its comfort and its accommodative features for laptop usage, he suggests that he would resort to driving to Wicklow if a Dart changeover were imposed.
Bill Hobbs, a daily commuter from Wicklow to Dublin, has expressed concerns that any changes to the Dart wouldn’t majorly impact him, but pose a challenge for those having to change at Greystones to reach Dublin. He believes commuters would have to forfeit their seats and may have to endure standing during their onward journey with Dart.
The familiar voice of broadcaster, Ivan Yates, was heard as the Rosslare train made its way into Wicklow, voicing his full support for the draft proposals. Yates, an ex-Fine Gael minister, commented that the objections he heard towards the proposal mainly came from those who didn’t usually pay for their ride.
He emphasises the main concerns are regarding the capacity and frequency of trains. If Yates needs to attend a lunchtime appointment in Dublin, he finds himself catching the earliest train available at 8:05am, which rolls into Pearse Station in Dublin near 10:12am. He fervently advocates for more train schedules, particularly during the morning hours, calling it a no-brainer decision.
He also comments on the suggestion of terminating trains in Wicklow to transfer onto Dart, stating that many do this already. He maintains that his views on this have not changed, having believed in this approach for years.