A big problem with the MK4's at the moment is Templemore. The 14:52 service stops at Thurles and for the past few months has very slowly departed Thurles. It finally picks up a bit of speed near Loughmore then has to slow down again snails it into Templemore station nobody gets off the train and some days at most only two people will get on for Portlaoise.
The 12:52 Thurles-Heuston 22k service should stop at Templemore instead of the 14:52. A midday service to Templemore would be more attractive to commuters. The 14:52 departs Thurles at almost the same time a bus to Templemore loads up in the square. €2.50 fare vs €5.30 on the train and minus the long walk from the station to the town centre.
http://www.shamrockbuses.com/Urlingford_Roscrea.htm