Iarnród Éireann’s new timetable was confirmed earlier this week, with changes already affecting Dublin’s DART, commuter, and intercity services.
All confirmed railway route service updates were introduced this past Monday across the State, except for changes to the Dublin/Belfast service which will begin later this year.
Due to these updates, modifications like train diversions and altered departure times have been made to DART and commuter train schedules.
Iarnród Éireann stated the new timetable provides a “more regular pattern of service” and asks customers to regularly check departure times before embarking on their journey.
Since the timetable’s implementation, numerous delays and cancellations have left commuters frustrated.
One commuter told Trinity News that the primary issue of the new timetable is an increase in train delays. The commuter explained that before this new timetable, they usually did not experience long, unpredictable delays.
“Today my train was delayed getting into town by 10 minutes, and yesterday morning it was delayed leaving Donabate by 15 minutes,” they said.
“It’s frustrating living in a place that already has relatively little public transport to have supposed improvements make this public transport unreliable,” they expressed.
Across social media, commuters have also been sharing their experiences and calling on Irish Rail to rectify the situation.
One user on X, formerly Twitter, wrote: “Seriously @IrishRail, whoever writes your timetables needs to be sacked. A 45 minute gap between trains, then 3 in the space of 15 minutes. Absolute joke … Why is this not a functional service?”
Another X user shared, “@IrishRail do you reckon the new timetable has fallen flat on its face? Constant announcements of late arrivals at Connolly and it’s taking me an extra hour today than last week. None of the trains have a clue what platform they’re coming into. It’s not too late to go back.”
The timetable was confirmed following public consultation in May and June by Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority (NTA), which consisted of 1,930 participants.
As the new timetable was introduced on August 26, a spokesperson for Irish Rail stated, “We are delighted to once again expand our timetable, and to deliver more capacity, with the highest ever number of rail passengers forecast for this year”.
“Whether new services are being introduced on your route or not, we would remind customers on all routes to check times before travel, even small changes may affect your journey, which is particularly important for daily commuters.”
Irish Rail has been contacted for comment.
