‘Let’s ensure we are not left behind again’: Longford needs to be included on fast track rail line to Dublin

“Sure, if you got out and walked, you’d nearly be going as quick as the train is!” said Councillor Peggy Nolan at a recent meeting of Longford County Council as she reiterated her call for a meeting with Iarnród Éireann’s CEO to discuss including Longford on a fast track line to Dublin’s Connolly Station.

She said, “There was a meeting in Leitrim County Council recently where it was discussed - and I discussed this here before Christmas - about a fast track line from Mullingar to Connolly. 

“We don’t have a dual carriageway from Longford to Dublin, we’re not going to get the fast track train from Longford to Connolly so therefore we’re being put at a disadvantage, whereas if we were on the radar for a fast track that would, say, start in Sligo and take in Longford on the way to Connolly, then we would be on the commuter belt and it would make us a very attractive county; we would have no problem with the take up for housing. Once again however we are not.”

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Reinforcing a suggestion that was made at the council meeting in Leitrim, Cllr Nolan said, “What was suggested at the Letirim County Council meeting was that all the CEO’s from Sligo right up to Connolly meet with the CEO of Iarnród Éireann, Mary Considine, and (Iarnród Éireann management) Barry Kenny, and try and have some sort of negotiation and make sure we are included in the fast track.” 

Cllr Nolan pointed out that a fast track from Longford to Dublin would make the county an attractive prospect to those working in Dublin. She added, “Imagine the hardship on people leaving home in Longford at 5.30 trying to go to work in Dublin. Remember, the Children’s Hospital will be open soon. Can you imagine the attraction of Longford for those who work in that hospital that they could make that journey in an hour. 

“The line, as it is currently, sure it’s ridiculous. Sure, if you got out and walked, you’d nearly be going as quick as the train is currently.”  

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Cllr Nolan added, “I said before Christmas we should make contact and engage with Íarnród Éireann. 

“What I would like to suggest today however is that all CEO’s also engage with the CEO of of Iarnród Éireann to ensure we are not left behind again.” 

Cathaoirleach Garry Murtagh said the proposal would be raised with the Chief Executive and kept on the agenda in the meantime.

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