Sligo-Dublin train passengers have reached a breaking point with Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority (NTA) over the continued lack of essential services. Disappointment is mounting after the NTA reportedly offered no firm commitments on reintroducing catering on the Sligo-Dublin route or establishing a much-needed early morning commuter service into Sligo town. Â
The issues were raised by Labour Party Senator Nessa Cosgrove during a recent appearance of NTA representatives before the Joint Oireachtas Transport Committee. Senator Cosgrove expressed her dissatisfaction, stating that despite previous reassurances from Irish Rail in August, the NTA claimed there was “no budget available for the restoration of catering services.” The NTA suggested vending machines as an alternative, a proposition Senator Cosgrove questioned, asking why, if it was a viable solution, it had not been implemented already.
The lack of an early morning service into Sligo MacDiarmada Station is another major source of frustration. Currently, the first train arrives no earlier than 10:16 am on weekdays, and after noon on weekends.
Labour Party Councillor Ann Higgins highlighted the critical need for an earlier service, particularly given the acute housing crisis forcing students and workers to commute long distances. Cllr. Higgins argued an early morning train arriving before 9 am—a “no-brainer”—would alleviate strain on students attending ATU and other workers.
Despite Sligo County Council and Senator Cosgrove writing to the NTA and the Minister for Transport, and a feasibility study by an ATU Engineering graduate demonstrating the proposal’s merit, the NTA stated the earliest a new service could be delivered, if approved, would be December 2026. This timeline has been deemed “too late” for many struggling commuters.
In response, Cllr. Higgins has launched a petition demanding the NTA and Irish Rail establish a daily morning commuter train from Longford to Sligo that arrives no later than 8:30 a.m.
