Games expose train shortage
A spokesman said there would be no overcrowding problem because all tickets for the four extra special trains being put on for the games on Saturday and Sunday have been sold. “We are putting on one extra train from Cork and from Wexford for Saturday’s match and we are also controlling the capacity on the regular services on these routes.”
Two extra trains have also been put on for Sunday’s match between Tipperary and Kilkenny and all tickets have been pre-sold to avoid the extreme overcrowding that occurred on the Wexford train three weeks ago.
But Platform 11, the lobby group demanding expansion of the rail service, said Iarnród Éireann cannot provide sufficient trains to cater for the demand from GAA fans because they do not have enough carriages.
“There is an extreme shortage of trains to cater for the demand because the company refuses to expand its rolling stock and only replace it every 20 years,” said Platform 11 chairman Thomas Sheridan.
Iarnrod Eireann say the company sought permission and funding from the Department of Transport to buy 64 rail cars.
The company has also asked the Department to agree a five-year programme of expansion that would allow it to lease more carriages, the spokesman said.