Who's stupid idea was it?!

[Traincustomer]

I fully share your annoyance finnyus at the undemocratic relocation of Rosslare Europort station to the foot of Delap's Hill. User-unfriendly indeed.

Rosslare Europort was opened (1989, I believe) as an integrated terminal - everything connected under cover for convenience and this makes good business sense.

When we last took the ferry from Rosslare this Spring thankfully we had a calm, mild enough evening so the walk wasn't too bad but your example clearly shows how in fact Irish Rail lost business.

Earlier this Summer on an early-morning visit I encountered an elderly couple who had reached the station and didn't know where to buy tickets. I told them there was a ticket desk at the terminal and also informed them that maybe they would be able to get a ticket onboard. I sincerely hope they were ok afterwards, it's not obvious or clear to tourists arriving off the ferries that they can purchase tickets at the CIE desk, in my opinion.

I too heard the reason of space and level crossings but don't feel that whole argument stands up. We are now at a time when jobs in Irish Rail may well be at risk and everything humanly possible needs to be done promptly to grow traffic considerably.

The tracks to the former station at the terminal seemed to be largely in place on my visit. Indeed the alignment should be kept for future freight traffic - rail-based freight traffic.

In the fullness of time perhaps the station can be returned to its rightful place - as an integral part of the terminal building.

PLUMB LOCO, I think the cafe must be permanently closed. Indeed the Europort needs more facilities - no ATM, no tourist office, weak promotion of bus/rail services...The unrealised potential is glaring. I'm sure it was taxpayer's money that was used to relocate the station and it could have been better spent.

A local said something to me about Irish Ferries operating a shuttle bus to the station but I don't think this is the case and indeed recall seeing a barrier at the small station car park entrance which would probably preclude most bus types.