Rail group calls for public access to Phoenix Park rail tunnel

The Irish rail users lobby group is renewing calls for the Phoenix Park rail tunnel to be opened up for use.

Platform Eleven claims that the streets of Dublin could be spared 75 bus journeys a day if the Government allowed the tunnel to carry passengers between Heuston and Connolly stations.

The 750-metre long tunnel provides the only rail link between the capital's two train stations. Platform Eleven say it would cost €100m to develop a shuttle service between the two stations using the tunnel.

However spokesperson Fergus O'Rourke is not confident of the project coming about.

"We've spoken to the Oireachtas Transport Committee about this and they've been supportive. They've actually tried out the tunnel for themselves - they've been allowed to travel on a train through it.

"It has been raised in the Dáil but so far, unfortunately, it hasn't had any impact."