Closing DART at weekends defies logic

Iarnród Éireann's announcement that it is to close down the DART service on weekends for the following nine months from next Saturday is "completely unacceptable", says Sinn Féin Dáil spokesperson on Transport, Seán Crowe. He said while he didn't dispute that the network needed upgrading, the timing defies logic.

"It is completely unacceptable that Iarnród Éireann only announced the details of their extensive plans only four days before they are due to take place," he said. "This is a massive job. Surely the details of it could have been made public before now so that commuters could have been prepared for this major announcement and enabled to make alternative arrangements.

"I would also question the need to undertake this work at this time. With major traffic congestion already causing chaos across the city, with roads dug up for LUAS, it would seem to defy logic that you then make arrangements to disrupt another main source of public transport, and force more private cars on to the roads, by closing it down at weekends for the next nine to 18 months.

"It is clear that there is a complete lack of communication between all the agencies and State Departments responsible for controlling traffic and providing public transport in the capital city. This outrageous situation cannot continue. Minister Brennan needs to get a grip on his brief."