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‘Direct train route between Dublin and Tralee must be maintained’

K
KERRY people have been urged to help ensure the direct train service between Tralee and Dublin is maintained.The issue of the rail route was raised in the Seanad this week by leas-cathaoirleach and Fine Gael Kerry senator Paul Coghlan.
Senator Coghlan is encouraging local people to make a submission on the issue in order to ensure the service is maintained. Anyone with an interest in protecting this direct train route is urged to make a submission before the January 18 deadline at www.nationaltransport.ie. “The 2016 Rail Review recommends dropping the direct Dublin to Tralee train, which would be a severe retrograde step and would have nothing but a negative impact on Kerry,” he said.
“I was very concerned to read the recommendation of the Rail Review that every train out of Kerry change at Mallow, thus dropping the direct Kerry Dublin route. As someone who uses this service on a regular basis, I can absolutely testify to its importance and its necessity to the people of Kerry.
Senator Coghlan added: “Kerry is a national tourist destination. The length of the summer tourist season is increasing each year and naturally enough, so is the number of train passengers. By cutting the direct train link from Dublin to Tralee, Irish Rail will be adversely affecting the tourism potential of the county.
“I am pleased that Kerry County Council will be making a submission against this proposal during the public consultation period and I would strongly state that Kerry does not deserve to be disadvantaged in the manner proposed. I urge everyone with an interest in protecting this direct train route from Tralee- Dublin, to make a submission before the January 18 deadline at www.nationaltransport.ie.”