Calls for action on Kildare train line overcrowding

A Maynooth, Co Kildare Labour councillor has called for Irish Rail and the NTA to act on overcrowding on Maynooth line train services.

Cllr Angela Feeney has said that with the return of students to Maynooth University, and an increase in office workers now that summer holidays have finished, certain Maynooth line train services are now "exceptionally overcrowded."

According to Cllr Feeney, passengers are being “left behind” or having to force themselves onto trains that are already full, with seats unavailable for those who need them.

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She said: “Trains which leave Maynooth prior to 0800 in the mornings are particularly overcrowded.

“The 0724, which originates in Longford, is already identified as the busiest non-DART train in the entire country (NTA Heavy Rail Census, 2024). The 0741, which is run using unsuitable Intercity rolling stock, is also particularly overcrowded as there is very little standing space on these units.

“It is now beyond urgent that Irish Rail and the NTA acknowledge and address this overcrowding.

“If further train sets are not currently available, alternatives such as direct coaches or school buses for schools along the route must be considered.”