Phoenix Park Tunnel - a wasted resource?

[Navan Junction]

When I got off the train following my run to Kildare on the new CDE/Mark VI today, I noticed the Phoenix park tunnel lying to idle to passenger traffic as usual.

What are the issues around reopening this to passenger traffic?

[Mark Gleeson]

We got a plan, what we needed was a photo, we shall have some fun

Next train through 16:10 - 16:20 24th May to Connolly re Soccer Match

[Derek Wheeler]

Best of all there's one through it from Kildare next Sunday. A GAA special.

[Jimbo]

What's the plan? Did you get a photo? Why has it takin til now to get a photo?

[Mark Gleeson]

We have plently of photos, its a photo of a train with fare paying passengers on a weekday that we search for

[comcor]

I wonder will be get to see a rare passenger service through it in conjunction with the Munster-Ulster Heineken Cup QF.

I guess Belfast-Limerick could be done in about 4 1/2 hours?

[ACustomer]

comcor: unfortunately Belfast-Limerick is almost impossible because no rolling stock is cleared for the entire route. The 22ks which were supposed to ATP-equipped for NI operations have never been route-tested as far as I am aware.

In the good old days you could run anything anywhere. now everything s balkanised. Progress?

[comcor]

I thought there were some Newry services operated by 22K. Or is there an exception made to allow them to run to the first station beyond the border. I know that's not uncommon in some European countries (e.g. Belgian trains running to Rosendaal or French trains running to Ventimiglia).

I suppose it shouldn't surprise me, although I am marginally surprised that the DeDietrich sets can't operate on routes out of Heuston.

[KSW]

Originally Posted by comcor

I am marginally surprised that the DeDietrich sets can't operate on routes out of Heuston.

Would love to see that happen. DeDietrich sets are the nicest ex the Mark IV Cork sets

[Mark Gleeson]

But the DD sets are actually cleared as far as Limerick Junction. They were tested on the Cork line when delivered first. Thats clearance has expired but under the revised rules, its now a desk process to check if a train fits or not

The reality is there are barely enough DD sets to cover Dublin Belfast, no chance of stealing one for a weekend.

The more practical point is the fare would be over 80 euro return

[Colm Moore]

What they could do is have a 22000 operate to/from Connolly for a cross-platform connection. Or commission the NIR-compatable 22000s between now and then.

Is this the game in April or something sooner? http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/res...d_fixtures.php

[Inniskeen]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

But the DD sets are actually cleared as far as Limerick Junction. They were tested on the Cork line when delivered first. Thats clearance has expired but under the revised rules, its now a desk process to check if a train fits or not

The reality is there are barely enough DD sets to cover Dublin Belfast, no chance of stealing one for a weekend.

The more practical point is the fare would be over 80 euro return

Suspect the fare might actually be quoted in sterling rather than Euros.

If clearance is now a desk exercise then maybe an NIR C3K set could work through from Belfast to Limerick. Still probably beyond the capability of today's railway.

[Mark Gleeson]

Its no problem to use any train from either company once it has the safety bits sorted out. In theory a C3K can operate anywhere in Ireland subject to the engineers being happy it fits, sets have visited Inchicore every now and again. NIR managed to get to Tuam once, driven entirely by a NIR driver.

So in theory its possible but the ball is firmly in NIR's court to make the request. The most likely outcome if there is one, is a cross platform 1-2 change at Connolly or going completely mad the RPSI Mk2 set chartered for the day.

[on the move]

Isn't there a contractual issue also, as in Irish Rail can't go into the UK, and NIR can only operate one cross-border route?

[Thomas Ralph]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

So in theory its possible but the ball is firmly in NIR's court to make the request. The most likely outcome if there is one, is a cross platform 1-2 change at Connolly or going completely mad the RPSI Mk2 set chartered for the day.

Step away from the Crayola pack

[Destructix]

The Mk3's are still cleared for Dublin-Belfast aren't they? Before the DD sets Iarnród Éireann used them on that line. Has got to be at least 4 decent push/pull sets which could do the job. Getting around Iarnród Éireann to do this for GAA/Football/Rugby specials sure wouldn't be easy. I think the best option is Belfast-Connolly then a 22K via the tunnel-Heuston-Limerick

[Mark Gleeson]

Mk3's are no longer cleared for Northern Ireland as there is a frequency requirement to keep the clearance in place up North

[sean]

Isn't this kinda academic though? AFAIK none of the Mk3s are servicable, I.E. have let the lot, even the push pulls, rot away.

[dowlingm]

Originally Posted by ACustomer

comcor: unfortunately Belfast-Limerick is almost impossible because no rolling stock is cleared for the entire route

29K? (Tongue in cheek)

Of course, if right was right there should be up to 18 carriages available as 3 consists - sets 22001-06. That the TPWSed sets are now four years in service (22002 and 22006 entered service in December 2007) and not yet available for Belfast service is one of the great mysteries of our times.

Originally Posted by comcor

I thought there were some Newry services operated by 22K.

The morning commuter is still 29K to my knowledge.

[dowlingm]

Originally Posted by sean

Isn't this kinda academic though? AFAIK none of the Mk3s are servicable, I.E. have let the lot, even the push pulls, rot away.

Rubbish. They were on the news tonight:
http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0126/trainfares.html#video