Late-night train services could be extended beyond the Christmas period, according to the Transport Minister

On Lunchtime Live, reporter Daniel Pitcher put the question to Transport Minister Dara O’Brien, who said the issue is under active consideration but warned it is not straightforward.

“It’s something that I’m looking at,” the Minister said. 

“I don’t want to say that this is something that can be done easily because our rail network needs to be maintained as well.”

Irish Rail trains. Photo credit: Alamy

He added that extended services have popular over the festive season. 

“It works well through Christmas. People respond very well to it,” he said, adding that any permanent change would need to balance passenger demand with maintenance needs. 

“There is a balance then to be struck as to when the lines are available for important maintenance to be carried out.”

The Minister confirmed he has asked Irish Rail to examine the feasibility of extending services, particularly in major cities.

“Even if we could extend the service, even by an additional half an hour or an hour, it’s something that I do believe needs to be looked at,” he said.

Listeners also shared their experiences, with commuter Louise describing late-night trains as a necessity rather than a luxury. 

“From a humanitarian point of view, considering the housing crisis that we’re in at the moment,” she said, emphasising the taxing daily commutes for workers and students. 

“How do they get involved if they’re all the time thinking about that train that they have to catch?”

Another listener, Chris, was equally frustrated, saying, “I hundred percent I agree,” and criticised weekend services in place. 

“What use is that to anybody?” he asked, referring to current late-night timetables.

"Nobody can go to a nightclub, and get a train home," he added.

Investing in services

Lochlann Gallagher, chair of the Galway Commuters Coalition, joined the line and questioned whether the necessary investment is being made. 

“I don’t know if there’s anything other than the Minister is thinking about it,” he said, pointing out that late-night services require infrastructure upgrades and funding. 

“The lines in Ireland are pretty much at capacity all the time.”

Gallagher added that regional routes also face challenges. 

“If you want to run late night trains to Galway the maintenance has to be done on that single piece of track,”.