Irish Rail revamps new timetable to boost commuter punctuality

Starting Monday, 14th October 2024, Irish Rail will introduce significant timetable changes to address punctuality issues that have affected many commuters since the new schedule was implemented on 26th August 2024. These changes aim to improve both morning and evening services, with a focus on restoring reliability during peak hours.

The most notable change is that morning train services operating to and from Dublin’s Connolly Station (up to around 9:30–10:00 AM) will revert to the pre-26th August schedule. This decision comes after ongoing delays and disruptions caused by the August timetable changes.

By reverting to the earlier schedule, Irish Rail hopes to reduce the need for interchanges at Connolly Station during the busy morning rush. Trains that previously terminated at stations such as Pearse, Grand Canal Dock, and Bray will resume operation to and from these locations.

Additionally, commuters on the Belfast to Dublin route will see changes in the 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM services. The revised arrival times in Dublin will be 8:23 AM and 9:20 AM, respectively. This adjustment is designed not only to improve punctuality for intercity commuters but also to address gaps in the Northern Commuter service, with new departure times for Drogheda services.

The changes include adjustments to evening services as well, with some trains that currently begin at Pearse or Grand Canal Dock now commencing from Bray or Dun Laoghaire. There will also be minor alterations to DART, Northern, Maynooth, and Phoenix Park Tunnel commuter trains to support these revisions.

Irish Rail has acknowledged the disruptions caused by the previous timetable changes, particularly for commuters in the Dublin area. They have expressed regret for the impact on customers’ daily lives, including work, education, and childcare commitments. The goal of the new timetable is to restore reliability and improve overall journey times for both local and intercity passengers.

The revised timetable will be available on the Irish Rail website and via the Iarnród Éireann app starting 7th October 2024.

These changes follow consultation with the National Transport Authority and Translink, aiming to strike a balance between accommodating increased intercity services and maintaining punctuality for daily commuters.