HALF A MILLION more journeys were made on Irish Rail during the first nine months of this year compared to the same time last year.

That’s according to preliminary figures from Irish Rail.

The increase occurred despite the loss of two days services to industrial action on August 24 and 25.

It comes after a number of years of falling passenger journeys.

There was stabilisation during 2013 but Irish Rail says, “the growth is a welcome indicator both for Iarnród Éireann and the wider economy.”

In total, 28.6 million journeys were made year to date up to October 5, compared to 28.1 million in the same period last year, up 1.6%.

• Intercity services are up 3.3% to 6.3 million
• Commuter services are up 2.8% to 9.9 million
• DART services are stable at 12.3 million over the 9 month period

Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, David Franks, said: “Last year saw a stabilisation in passenger numbers after a number of years of decline.

It is encouraging to see an increase in passenger numbers once again right across our network, with the early weeks of Q4 strengthening further.

“Business growth will be the one of our key areas of focus in addressing the very difficult financial situation facing the company.”

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