Iarnród Éireann cuts train capacity on Laois trains

Iarnród Éireann has advised customers of reductions in train size on specific services that serve Laois stations throughout the summer.

Train users in Laois will be among those impacted by the announcement to cut the number of carriages on services that serve Portlaoise, Portarlington and Ballybrophy stations.

Irish Rail explained in a statement seen by the Leinster Express / Laios Live why it has reduced capacity on selected services on the Portlaoise/Kildare commuter, Maynooth, Drogheda and Limerick services between April 22 and October this year.

"This is to facilitate maintenance and other works on a number of trains during that time, to enable us to deliver a better service and maximise fleet availability from autumn onwards.

"Current demand levels have been analysed and reviewed to identify trains where a reduction in capacity is possible. In particular, changed travel patterns associated with hybrid working have been considered, with a greater number of services having reduced capacity on Mondays and particularly Fridays, when fewer people are now commuting to workplaces.

"While the vast majority of trains and routes are unaffected, we will continue to keep demand levels under review to ensure sufficient capacity is being provided on individual services, and we apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused," it said.

Pictured: Irish Rail train service depot in Portlaoise.

Monday to Thursday:

• 0620 Portlaoise / Heuston cut from 6 to 4 carriages

The intercity routes through Laois to be impacted are as follows: 

Saturday:

• 05.25 Limerick / Heuston intercity cut from 6 to 3 carriages

Sunday:

• 15.35 Heuston / Limerick cut from 6 to 4 carriages
• 2110 Heuston / Limerick cut from 6 to 4 carriages
• 1225 Limerick / Heuston cut from 6 to 4 carriages
• 1820 Limerick / Heuston cut from 6 to 4 carriages

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Most of the changes on commuter lines impact Kildare. See all the changes here.