PRESS RELEASE

11/08/2003

There must be no replay of chaotic GAA train scenes- Deputy Government Chief Whip

The replay of the All Ireland hurling semi final must not be matched with a repeat of the chaotic scenes at Cork 's Kent Station last week when Gardai were called to control queues for rail tickets, according to the Deputy Government Chief Whip, Billy Kelleher,TD.

“The replay has given added urgency to the Irish Rail review for the way tickets for major events are issued. I hope fans will not be forced to once again queue at Kent Station from midnight, and that there will be no repeat of the queue jumping which occurred last week.”

“The company must look at the rapid implementations of a system which would allow Internet booking along the liens of which has been highly successful for a number of airlines.”

“Irish Rail must immediately carry out a review of its deployment of rolling stock across the national network next weekend as it is clear that despite the provision of three extra trains on the Cork-Dublin route for last weekends game capacity was seriously inadequate.”

“Events such as the semi-final offer an opportunity for Irish Rail to make money and all available carriages should be used to service the route not just for the benefit of Cork supporters, but also those who are travelling from Wexford for the game.”

“For the benefit of all fans Irish Rail should unveil its arrangements for next weekends services at the earliest possible opportunity,” concluded Deputy Kelleher.