Why doesn't the Sligo train use platform 7 in Connolly station.

[Fergal]

I note in the timetable that it takes quite a long time (40 minutes!) for the Sligo train to get the short distance from Maynooth to Dublin. It also blocks every other movement coming from Drumcondra direction to the trainshed.

Surely there is a good possibility of speeding this up by at least 10 minutes if platform 7 was dedicated to Sligo/Longford trains heading out the lesser used line along the canal. There are even sidings just north of platform 7 to store trains without getting in the way of any other movements.

Platforms 5 and 6 would then become the DART/Suburban platforms.

Disadvantage:
Lose the cross-platform interchange at Connolly.

Advantages:
Improved Dublin - Sligo running times by making better use of the existing infrastructure.
Sligo train no longer has to cross any other train paths coming into Connolly.
No money required to do it.
Allows the Sligo train to pass out suburban trains leaving Connolly at the same time, by using a faster route.