25% increase in commuters at Maynooth Rail Station over the last four years – O’Rourke

Published on: 17 May 2016


2,824 commuters boarded the train at the Maynooth Rail Station when the National Transport Authority carried out a census to determine the number of rail passengers using its services on day last November, which is a 25 increase of the figure 4 years ago, according to Local Fianna Fail TD Frank O’Rourke.

‘In November each year, the NTA undertakes a census to determine the number of rail passengers boarding and alighting services at each station on the rail network, and I asked the NTA to share with me, the updated figures for North Kildare.’ stated Deputy O’Rourke.

‘Between 2011 and 2015, Maynooth has seen the number of passengers boarding at its rail station increase from 2,270 to 2824, which is an increase of 25% over a four year period.’

‘In the same period, Leixlip saw an increase of approximately 10% to 1084, Kilcock saw an increase of 15% to 271, Hazelhatch remains unchanged and Naas/Sallins saw an increase of 15% to 966 commuters.’ stated Deputy O’Rourke.

‘Since getting elected, I have made contact with the NTA, Minister for Transport, Bus Eireann, Iarnrod Eireann and Kildare Co Co to make representations to have the public transport services improved. I have met with public transport users in Kilcock last week and residnets in Rathcoffey seeking public transport the week before. Every week, Public Transport is an issue that comes up at my clinics.’

‘We are making progress on the public transport front. We have made progress on the Bus Service for Kilcock Commuters; the NTA have assured me that it is committed to easing the current Fare Structure for Kilcock Rail Commuters, when compared to other rail users inside the Short Hop Zone (SHZ);  the NTA recently allocated €100,000 to Kildare Co Co to carry out a study to examine the need for a park and ride facility along the M4 corridor between Kilcock and Leixlip; the NTA is now considering the feasibility of an orbital bus service linking Naas to Blancherstown Hospital, via Clane, Rathcoffey and Maynooth; and later this year the Celbridge and Naas rail commuters, using the Kildare Line, will be offered an opportunity to participate in a public consultation process in relation to changes to the timetable as a result of the investment to link the Kildare line through the Phoenix park tunnel into Connolly station.’

‘As a user of public transport myself, I know that once we provide a regular and reliable service, with back up facilities such as park and ride, we will attract more and more people to use the public transport.’ Concluded Deputy O’Rourke

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