Earlier morning trains are essential for people travelling from Tipperary to Waterford

The lack of public transport at a suitable time for commuters was the subject of debate amongst Councillors at a recent meeting.

The motion was raised at the September meeting of the Tipperary/Cahir/Cashel Municipal District ‘that this Council would engage with Iarnród Eireann and the Department of Transport to request for an earlier Train Service from Tipperary Town Station that serves the Clonmel and Waterford regions’.

Councillor John O’Heney raised the motion and  said how he was trying for a long, long time to get this issue dealt with: “I have had correspondence since I was in college in 2013,” he said as he pointed out that he hoped now was a time for change.

“Having read the report under regional and rural recommendations the line is going to be upgraded,” he said, airing his hopes that they can help  provide a better service for those in Tipperary.

Those attending hospitals, students attending college, shoppers and those working outside the county but living locally could all benefit he said.

Cllr O’Heney said people could access services there and  it would enable people to get to  Tipperary too, and many people would benefit, if the service was modernised.

Other Councillors felt it was a good idea as well and supported the motion at the meeting. Cllr Annemarie Ryan said we need “a proper timetable” now and it was time to get the matter resolved.

“The people are not getting a fair deal at present,” she said pointing out the importance of ensuring people had a service that they could rely on every morning and use regularly.

Cllr Marie Murphy spoke online to those attending and said “it has fantastic potential as a tourism offering,” adding it could be a two way street with people travelling there and others coming here, helping local businesses and generating footfall in areas near the stations.

“Cahir should be included as well,” she said. The benefits of a service that commuters, students, hospital goers and tourists can use is simply a must if people are to use public transport.