Dublin commuters are bracing for significant travel disruptions as major rail works coincide with reduced bus services during the festive season.
Starting December 27, train services between Grand Canal Dock and Connolly station will be suspended for track renewal works lasting until January 5. This closure is expected to impact thousands of commuters during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The Dublin Commuter Coalition has raised serious concerns about the timing of these works, with chairperson Jason Cullen highlighting that such significant rail maintenance hasn’t been undertaken in two decades. While Irish Rail defends the timing, citing lower commuter numbers, Cullen argues that the National Transport Authority (NTA) hasn’t provided adequate alternative transport options.
According to The Journal, adding to the transport woes, the highly anticipated BusConnects Network Redesign Phase 6a has been pushed back from December 2024 to January. This delay particularly affects communities in Bray and Dún Laoghaire, who now face limited public transport options during the holiday period.
Dublin Bus will operate on a weekend timetable from December 26 to January 2, despite the increased demand for services. Although some additional Nitelink and 24-hour bus services have been announced, the Commuter Coalition argues these measures are insufficient to compensate for the loss of rail capacity.
“People are effectively forced into expensive taxis, meaning an unnecessary extra bit of spending close to Christmas,” Cullen explained, highlighting the financial impact on commuters.
The Coalition has called for immediate action from the NTA, suggesting the reallocation of resources to increase frequencies on key bus routes such as the 46a, 145, and C Spine services to accommodate displaced Dart passengers.
For detailed information about available public transport services during the Christmas period, commuters can visit the TFI website.
