Monasterevin

[Mark Gleeson]

The principle problem in Kildare and Newbridge was the cark park, it condition, lack of spaces security and so on. Monasterevin has a modern well laid out car park, its got plenty of empty spaces, it looks well looked after compared to the building site look Newbridge has, not an issue

Accessibility was a major issue elsewhere, Monestervin is a fully accessible station to latest standards, not an issue

Those two issues Irish Rail were happy to agree with and put things in motion, but

On the service level issue the bulk of complaints were to do with delays, poor on train conditions, connections and the dodgy off peak service. Most people do accept the fact that things are heavily constrained.

In light of this we are working on (quite close to being complete) a new off peak timetable, which addresses the issues raised, Monasterevin would get a train every two hours in each direction as we envisage a day time Port Laois commuter service (hourly allowing for Limerick), Athlone also picks up an hourly service. We can solve this problem and keep everyone happy

Peak time is a nightmare it would be very difficult get any significant changes, its too complex and this is where the operational problems are and need sorting out before making a step forward

The future
By end 2006 few if any trains will be more than 30 years old, most will date from the mid 1980's that the impact of the new Cork Dublin trains, will mean some more seats as well
Late 2007 will see elimination of the 1970's stock permanently, new depot opens up in Port Laois leading to an improved evening service and more reliable morning service
Late 2009 Kildare Route Project completes and things get miles better

Irish Rail won't tell you any different

If you want to see a big improvement get Kildare CC to sort its planning out and densify, currently the all day total number of people boarding best case using the data Arup gathered when developing investment plans is 108, thats best case 2 trains per hour peak and once every 2 hours off peak would be a reasonable service level, off peak is taken as 1/4 of peak. The fundamental problem in Monasterevin is its small population, that combined with the fact Irish Rail were not provided with the operational resources to match the new station

If you wish to really annoy Irish Rail management (in fact I mentioned Monasterevin to them today) the man you want is Myles McHugh who is the service planning manager (for extra annoyance mention my name), avoid Barry Kenny at all costs. I'll forward on our proposed of peak timetable if you wish, the key thing here is to ensure everyone on the line gets a fair deal making an extra stop in one place means one less stop somewhere else

You might want to read this and the links http://www.platform11.org/local_groups/

[stevetee]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

The fundamental problem in Monasterevin is its small population.....

Check out the number of new houses that have been built in the town over the last 6 months.

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

I'll forward on our proposed of peak timetable if you wish.....

Can you post it here so everyone can see it ?




Mark, do you permit members to canvas for User Group support through this notice board ?

Steve

[Thomas J Stamp]

Originally Posted by stevetee

Mark, do you permit members to canvas for User Group support through this notice board ?

Steve

Yep, fire away.

[stevetee]

Originally Posted by Thomas J Stamp

Yep, fire away.

I have sent Derek my mobile number to arrange a meeting in Monasterevin with the aim of setting up a Monasterevin Rail Users Group. So far not a peep out the man. Hes probably very busy given the impending election and state of the rail service but if anyone sees him could they pass on a message from Steve Tee :" Please call me so we can get the ball rolling"

Thanks P11 for your support

Steve

[Mark Gleeson]

Derek knows and will be in touch, like you said its very busy at the moment, 2 media gigs and 1 public meeting over the last 48 hours

The election is coming indeed and all the politicians are out with promises, they are quick to forget what they promised and failed to deliver last time

[stevetee]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

Derek knows and will be in touch, like you said its very busy at the moment, 2 media gigs and 1 public meeting over the last 48 hours

The election is coming indeed and all the politicians are out with promises, they are quick to forget what they promised and failed to deliver last time

Derek, the tension is killing us. Please get in touch. Steve

[Thomas J Stamp]

Desperatly Seeking Derek.

You could always ask me, you know.

Not that I'm offended or anything or about to go off in a huff.........