12 November 2007
Minister for Food and Horticulture, Trevor Sargent, T.D., a keen rail passenger and cyclist, has welcomed the outcome of representations he has made to Iarnród Éireann for bicycles to be permitted on all Intercity and regional services. However he also called on Irish Rail to allow more bicycles to be carried on their trains.
In response the Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann has stated “First of all I can confirm that it is our intention to permit cycles to be carried on all of our Intercity and regional services in the future and the new rolling stock fleet will facilitate that. Accommodation will be available for two cycles in each 3-car unit, and therefore with many services operated by 6 car formations, up to four cycles could be accommodated on some trains.The routes on which these trains will operate will include the Kerry line, the Mayo line and the Sligo line.”
“It is still disappointing that the DART and commuter services will not be in a position to carry fixed frame bicycles, however, fold up bicycles are still permitted on DART and commuter services. Meanwhile, I will continue to lobby for greater capacity on DART and commuter services with a view to accommodating more people and also providing the option of bicycles to be carried as well as seeking greater capacity and more secure bicycle parking facilities at train stations” concluded Minister Sargent.
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