Split DMU Intercity service at Manulla junction.
 

Split DMU Intercity service at Manulla junction.

Instead of running a shuttle service from Ballina to Manulla to meet the Heuston Westport services, would there be any benefit of running a 6 car DMU to Manulla with 3 carriages continuing on to Westport and 3 going to Ballina?

Just curious, it is common on similar lines on the continent.

The new layout in Manualla certainly allows for this style of operation, previous layout did not

Splitting trains at Athlone such that one portion goes to Galway and one Westport looks better. 9 car ICR operation is permitted and would fit all the platforms en route Dublin Athlone, 6 car to Galway, 3 car to Westport

Irish Rail are already planning a Westport - Athlone shuttle to link to some Galway services

Why not just split at Claremorris and shut Manulla Junction. You can't even get start or end a journey there, so it's just costing money to keep it open.

An even better idea. I wonder is there anywhere else on the Irish network that could utilise spilt DMUs? Galway / Ennis via athenry?

There is little operational cost in Manualla Junction as there is no public access - just tracks and an island platform.

Splitting at Claremorris would mean one train having to wait for a while at the station, while the other part got to the next signal.

plus longer runs for the shuttle.