Public and Commuter Transport Minister Alan Kelly wants to see a “dramatic improvement” in the number of passengers using the Galway-Limerick train if the service is to be maintained.
Expressing concern over the volume of business on the line, which reopened in 2010 at a cost of over €100 million, he said the costs associated with the service meant there was a clear need to improve passenger numbers.
While it would not be his choice to close rail lines, he said that there were concerns about usage of a number of passenger lines on the Iarnród Éireann network including the Galway-Limerick service.
The North Tipp Labour Party Deputy said he was hopeful that a number of initiatives including shorter journey times between the two cities and the introduction of online booking, would encourage more people to use the service.
However, despite calls for the opening of the next phase of the Western Rail corridor from Athenry to Tuam, he said there would be no announcement in that regard anytime soon because of the financial situation.
Above: Public and Commuter Transport Minister, Alan Kelly.
