Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Passengers on the first train from Grand Canal Dock to Hazelhatch this morning Irish Rail/Twitter

Despite delays and ticketing issues, Irish Rail hails a 'very successful morning' for Phoenix Park tunnel

The almost-140-year-old tunnel was opened to daily passengers today.

IRISH RAIL HAS hailed a successful start to services using the revamped Phoenix Park tunnel, despite IT problems causing initial ticketing issues and some delays on the line.

“Overall, it was a very successful morning,” an Irish Rail spokesperson told TheJournal.ie.

“Around 600 to 700 people used the service this morning, which is very encouraging.”

The tunnel opened this morning as commuters on the 6.14am from Newbridge became the first passengers on the new line.

The Phoenix Park tunnel connects Newbridge and Hazelhatch in Kildare with Dublin Connolly and Grand Canal Dock.

Customers had complained that Taxsaver tickets weren’t working on the new service.

The Irish Rail spokesperson said an “IT problem” that occurred overnight meant a very “low number of people” were affected by ticketing issues.

They added that anyone affected by the issue was still able to travel into Dublin city centre, and that the situation had been resolved by 8.30am this morning.

In terms of delays, Irish Rail says that delays of up to 10 minutes occurred on the line, but this was normal to the current low rail adhesion season, which sees delays caused by autumn leaves falling on tracks.

There were commuters, however, who were delighted with the new line and welcomed the cut in their commute times.

Read: Making history: 6.14 from Newbridge is first daily train through revamped Phoenix Park Tunnel

Read: Have a look inside this tunnel running under the Phoenix Park

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
28 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Barry
    Favourite Stephen Barry
    Report
    Jan 2nd 2014, 10:54 AM

    No violent films or video games, yet so violent back then.

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute declan hegarty
    Favourite declan hegarty
    Report
    Jan 2nd 2014, 7:14 AM

    Human sacrifice that’s a good idea
    Let’s start a short list……..
    No 1……….

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mags Louth
    Favourite Mags Louth
    Report
    Jan 2nd 2014, 7:38 AM

    If you liked it then you should have put a saucepan on it!!!

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John O'Neill
    Favourite John O'Neill
    Report
    Jan 2nd 2014, 12:22 PM

    The Aztecs… A great bunch of lads..

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob
    Favourite Rob
    Report
    Jan 2nd 2014, 7:56 AM

    Poor dog Thats a bit ruff . I’l get me coat.!!!!

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mike Enright
    Favourite Mike Enright
    Report
    Jan 2nd 2014, 9:13 AM

    The “I’ll get me coat” thing was funny the first time someone said it. Or no, maybe it wasn’t.

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Julie Grey
    Favourite Julie Grey
    Report
    Jan 2nd 2014, 10:57 AM

    Different era far more civilised today! More enlightened! Or are we?

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Barry
    Favourite Stephen Barry
    Report
    Jan 2nd 2014, 11:03 AM

    Ha ha good one

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John O'Neill
    Favourite John O'Neill
    Report
    Jan 2nd 2014, 2:33 PM

    No wonder the dogs didn’t bark much… They were afraid their heads might end up on a rack…

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute redmarauder
    Favourite redmarauder
    Report
    Jan 2nd 2014, 7:21 AM

    Amazing…!!

    6
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds