Irish Rail say expansion of Clonmel rail services unnecessary

Irish Rail says the numbers don’t stack up at present to expand its services in Clonmel.

Representatives from the company were tackled at last nights meeting of Clonmel Borough District on what’s seen as the poor service currently in place

Cllr Siobhán Ambrose echoes the views of Clonmel Borough Councillors on the current train service in the town.

The Irish Rail timetable on the Limerick Junction – Waterford line has come in for considerable criticism in recent years.

Many people feel the schedule doesn’t suit people commuting to work or college while the number of services has also some under fire.

Three representatives from Irish Rail attended this months meeting of the local authority to take questions from elected representatives.

Many felt the timetable didn’t suit the hundreds of students attending the L.I.T Clonmel campus in particular.

However Business Development Manager with Irish Rail Jim Gallivan says we need to look at just how many people might potentially use the rail service into and out of the town.

The Limerick Junction – Waterford line which passes through South Tipp is one of a number under threat as Irish Rail attempt to cut spiralling costs.

Clonmel Borough District Manager Sinead Carr admits there are difficulties but says Irish Rail need to do their part as well.

Many Councillors highlighted the frequency of services through Thurles in comparison with Clonmel.

However Jim Gallivan of Irish Rail says the service in Thurles is down in some ways to its geographic location.