New train service to Dublin on track for Laois train users

Irish Rail has announced changes to some Laois rail services which includes a new service for Portlaoise.  

The move is part of a raft of changes being proposed nationwide starting from Sunday, December 11 that followed public consultation. 

In Laois it is introduce an early Sunday from Portlaoise to Heuston morning service at 7.40am.  It changing advance the 10:08am Ballybrophy to Limerick (via Nenagh) to 09:05am.

Irish Rail expects journey times on Limerick/Ballybrophy services via Nenagh due to recent infrastructure works, resulting in a 15-minute time saving.

However, the national rail operator said it doesn’t have sufficient staff to adopt another proposal that would have seen later train services for Portlaoise.  

In relation to requests for a later last train, Irish Rail stated: “Driver resources not available for implementation for December 2022. IÉ in conjunction with the NTA will continue to investigate possibilities for implementation at a later stage.”

“It was not possible to address a number of requested changes in this consultation due to available driver resources.  Certain driver training programmes were deferred due to COVID-19 restrictions.  However, Iarnród Éireann will review these requests as more drivers become available in 2023 and beyond,” Irish Rail stated. 

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said “we are pleased to be implementing a number of changes which will benefit existing and new customers across our network.  Passenger demand continues to strengthen across all routes, and with new carriages currently being delivered”.

Laois motorists will be 'hit hard' by toll hikes

The new timetable will begin on Sunday, December 11.  While customers on all routes are advised to check times before travel, significant changes for Kildare and Laois commuters include (* indicates change made following public consultation) :

Twelve additional off-peak Commuter services between Newbridge and Heuston, resulting in trains every 30 minutes Monday to Friday.

Monday to Friday: New services at 09:45, 10:40, 11:40, 12:40, 13:40 and 14:40 hrs from Heuston to Newbridge 

Monday to Friday: New services at 10:26, 11:40, 12:26, 13:26, 14:26 and 15:27 hrs from Newbridge to Heuston

Extra services between Hazelhatch and Grand Canal Dock, via Phoenix Park Tunnel on Monday to Friday, namely:

New 08:31 hrs Grand Canal Dock/Hazelhatch Monday to Friday. New 16:00 hrs Grand Canal Dock/Hazelhatch Monday to Friday. New 16:37 hrs Hazelhatch/Grand Canal Dock Monday to Friday. Existing 15:50 hrs Hazelhatch/Grand Canal Dock Monday to Friday will be deferred to 15:53 hrs.

New earlier Sunday service at 07:40hrs from Portlaoise to Heuston. 

Additional stops for Sunday services from Newbridge and Sallins.

08:05hrs Galway to Heuston will serve Sallins 

08:25hrs Limerick to Heuston will serve Newbridge 

Improved journey times on Limerick/Ballybrophy services via Nenagh due to recent infrastructure works, resulting in a 15-minute time saving.

10:08hrs Ballybrophy to Limerick (via Nenagh) advanced to 09:05hrs.*