Storm Desmond caused travel chaos this weekend, and it seems the after effects continue to disrupt commuters this week.
Iarnród Éireann have confirmed in a statement this evening that Dublin commuter services to Sligo and Athenry to Gort are closed due to extreme flooding on the line.
Iarnród Éireann has advised customers that the Carrick-on-Shannon to Longford section of the Sligo to Dublin Connolly is expected to remain closed due to flooding until this weekend at the earliest.
Following the status red weather warning, and torrential rainfall, flood levels are currently one foot above the rail head on the line. The line was originally closed since last Sunday morning.
In a statement released by the rail service this evening, the following arrangements have been announced to cover the affected areas:
DAILY SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS
Sligo line service alterations
While this continues, the following service alterations will be in place:
– All Sligo/Dublin Connolly services in both directions will have bus transfers between Carrick-on-Shannon and Longford, resulting in delays of 30-60 minutes
– 16.00hrs Dublin Connolly to Sligo service is cancelled
Reduced capacity on some Commuter services
In addition, there is reduced availability of trains as five sets (one 3-carriage, and four 4-carriage trains) were west of the flooded section when the line closed. Therefore, the following services will have reduced capacity:
– 05.45 Sligo to Dublin Connolly (Longford to Dublin Connolly section)
– 06.15 Longford to Dublin Pearse (also serves commuter stops between Maynooth and Dublin Pearse
– 08.35 Drogheda to Dublin Pearse (will be supplemented by extra service from Skerries to Dublin Pearse)
– 17.05 Dublin Connolly to Sligo (Dublin Connolly to Longford section)
– 17.15 Dublin Connolly to Longford (also serves commuter stops between Dublin Connolly and Maynooth)
Customers from stations between Maynooth and Connolly are advised to divert to other Commuter services where possible due to pressure on capacity on the 06.15hrs Longford to Pearse (departs Maynooth 07.30) and the 17.15hrs Connolly to Longford.
Athenry to Gort on Western Rail Corridor also closed due to flooding
In addition, the Athenry to Gort section on the Limerick to Galway (Western Rail Corridor) line was closed this morning due to flooding. Bus transfers are operating between Ennis and Galway as a result. This is expected to remain closed for at least 48 hours.
Iarnród Éireann has apologised to customers for any inconvenience caused.
They have also advised customers to check service updates through their website www.irishrail.ie or on Twitter @irishrail.
