Travel Experiences - Post Malahide Viaduct Collapse

[RHanaway]

Surely IE could run trains ar far as donabate with a direct feed to Malahide, am I missing something here bridge is the issue, it's less than 12k on a shuttle bus, huge impact on malahide though?

And we're not the only ones having problems http://www.independent.ie/photo-gall...s-1864551.html

[Mark Gleeson]

Best go to Howth Junction, better road access, more frequent trains.

[Audrey]

Hi all,

I got a 6.55 coach from Balbriggan train station and made it to connolly at 7.30. fantastic!

There were 4 coaches in the car park waiting for commuters to arrive, soon as full they took off so it wasn't really as scheduled on their leaflets (6.30,7.00, 7.30 etc) Made it to my desk for 7.50 in D.8.
I hope IE continue this level of service for Balbriggan as I am very happy with the journey time.

We'll see how the return journey goes, it would be nice for a 4.30 return to balbriggan but sure I can't really complain as long as i don't have to use the 33 service.

[OisinDunne]

First Day -
Left Bettystown @ 6:45 for 7 am bus in Drogheda
Arrived Dublin - 7:55
Went for Dart to Grand Canal - Had to wait 16 mins due to timetabled Northern trains that are now not arriving

Arrived in office @ 8:30

Left @ 4 and walked to Connolly and got the 16:30 bus to Drogheda
Arrived at 17:15
Picked up car and back in Bettystown by 17:30.

Not too impressed with trains back to Laytown in evening which is why I drove to Drogheda. Schedule says 17:30 and then 19:30 but they put on a 18:30 one but can't confirm if it is going to be a permanent feature.

Not a fan of bus due to inconsistancy with traffic but I have to say this, if these bus times can be maintained from Drogheda, why bother fixing the viaduct.

Bus is quicker & you'll always get a seat.

2nd day - Same bus from Drogheda, same arrival time in Dublin but this time walked to Grand Canal in 20 minutes. At office by 8:15.

I know the fine weather and school holidays make a difference but all is OK so far. Will try the Laytown - Drogheda train service tomorrow and see how it works out.


There is 1 thing that IR should look at and that is contracting Matthews Coaches to accept Rail tickets. For some commuters, it would benifit and may remove the need to hire an entire bus at the €600 per day cost.