Speed of train between Mayo and Dublin compared to 'tractor'
A Mayo Oireachtas member has compared the speed of the train service between Mayo and Dublin to a tractor.
Deputy Paul Lawless argued: "The Dublin to Westport line has had no significant upgrades in quite some time.
"From Westport to Athlone, we are still operating off a single-carriage line.
"The distance from Westport to Dublin is 262 km.
"The journey takes three hours and 20 minutes, which means that the average speed is 80 km/h.
"There are tractors in Mayo that can reach 80 km/h."
Deputy Lawless further stated the distance between Cork and Dublin is the same, yet trains on that route reach Dublin in two and a half hours.
"The TGV in France has an average speed of 300 km/h.
"With such average speeds, it would be possible to get from Westport to Dublin in under an hour.
"In many cases, the people of Mayo are waiting in Roscommon for half an hour for a train to pass because of the single line and because the speeds needs to be increased.
"The point I am making is that a journey of almost three and half hours on the train line from Mayo is unacceptable. The average speed is 80 km/h.
"Are there any plans to increase capacity and speed and develop a double carriageway rather than a single one in order that the people of Mayo can get to Dublin in a timely fashion?"
In response, Minister of State Jerry Buttimer said the government is very much committed to rural Ireland.
He elaborated: "This year's all-island strategic rail review made 33 strategic recommendations, which include a proposal to reinstate the western rail corridor with a connection between Athenry and Claremorris.
"In addition, the review also noted other potential developments, including improved rail service frequency between Mayo and Athlone through the building of more passing loops.
"The deputy makes a good point regarding frequency, connectivity and speed. It is all about ensuring the west of Ireland benefits equally.
"It is also about the expansion of rural transport in County Mayo under Connecting Ireland. The Deputy will know the routes in County Mayo that have been significantly improved and which are seeing increasing passenger numbers."