Reverse rail ticket price rises

Last week in the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Labour TD, Alan Kelly, raised the issue of the Ballybrophy line with Irish Rail. Specifically how successful the current fare structure has been with the increased use of the line for passengers from Nenagh, Birdhill, Roscrea and Cloughjordan.

The Tipp TD said: "Unbelievably the National Transport Authority have now decided to increase these fares which were driving so many to use the line as a mode of transport to get to Limerick, Dublin and other destinations. For example a €3 single fare is jumping to €10.85, and a €6 day return is rising to €15.60. This is a total disincentive and makes no sense. Along with Cllrs Louise Morgan Walsh and Mayor Fiona Bonfield and former Cllr Virginia O'Dowd we in the Labour Party working with North Tipperary Rail Partnership have been fighting for the future of this line for decades. Indeed I had to intervene on more than one occasion to ensure it stayed open.

"The old fare structure was a good initiative. Commuters were coming back to use the service so why get rid of them? I'm calling on the National Transport Authority and Irish Rail to review this decision immediately and reverse this decision. Furthermore I want to see an improved timetable for the like to allow commuters to get to work and back from Limerick and Dublin.

"We deserve better than this lack of investment. The line needs crossings closed with alternatives out in place. It needs improved tracks and changes at Ballybrophy to allow direct trains to Dublin. North Tipperary residents are commuting daily to Dublin and Limerick for work, medical appointments and leisure and we need an investment plan from this Government once and for all for the Ballybrophy line."