Kimmins - Rail service improvements are 'hugely positive development'

Local MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed the recent announcement of improved rail services for Newry. 

The Newry and Armagh representative and her Party colleagues have consistently lobbied for Translink  to increase the number of services from Newry, including a plan to almost double the services offered for commuters at peak times.

Ms Kimmins said “I welcome the news of the commencement of additional train services and see this as a commitment from Translink to their ambitious plans to expand and improve the rail services for the people of Newry.

"In recent discussions with senior Translink management my colleagues and I were informed that there is a plan to double service provision during peak times between Belfast and Dublin with an hourly service aiming to be introduced by the end of the year”.

The MLA says she hopes to see the key issue of lack of access to seating on the enterprise service being addressed, an issue that forces many to stand, even if they had booked a ticket in advance.

"Translink have told us that they are currently working on a dedicated seat reservation system and that they hope to have this in soon .

"The need for running an additional, later train to Newry from Belfast at the weekends, to accommodate people travelling for shows or socialising, is also something we have been raising and we hope to have an update from Translink on this in the near future."

The Newry and Armagh representative said “All of these updates are hugely positive developments. We need to improve this vital cross border service that people use and depend on everyday. Rail is also key for helping tackle the climate emergency”.

Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes added “This is good news for all commuters especially workers, as the first Enterprise service from Newry will now arrive in Dublin at 8:16am. 

"Additional service includes two additional trains, Monday to Friday, from next week  - a 7:53am to Dublin Connolly and an extension of the 5:50pm Dublin train to Newry. 

"This means more choice and better timings for workers and those travelling to Dublin for social reasons”.

The MP continued "These improvements will boost north south connectivity and deliver better service provision for workers and families in the Newry area. and importantly make it easier for people to choose  the cleaner, greener mode of transport”.