Rail fiasco update

Here is an update on the causes of the near disaster on the northern Dublin commuter line. It looks like scour around the bridge piers is going to take the blame, but I stand by my semi-expert opinion that this doesn't happen overnight. Spotted apparently by some boy scouts but not Irish Rail. Somebody dropped the ball on this one and should pay with their job. Of course this being Ireland that won't happen, because we all know that 'it will be grand'.

As for replacement services for commuters, I must say that I am fairly impressed with Dublin Bus and the way they've picked up the slack. From 6:30 to 9:00 am there is an express bus from Skerries to Tara Street that takes about 50 minutes. Only about 10 minutes more than the rail commute, but certainly not as convenient a drop point for my office. Evening rush hour is similar, with good fast service but inconvenient pick up points. Oh well, I can deal with that for a few (six?) months.

My main beef is that there are no express buses in the evening after 7pm. So if I want to stay in town for dinner, a pint, or have to stay in town for work, I'm kind of screwed. A nearly 2 hour ride on the regular bus is the only option. Sigh. I think Paddy Power must be taking bets on when this will be operational again. I'll give 5:1 against it being operational before Christmas.

And another thing.....the 'apologies for the disruption' signs at the station sort of cover it when there is a 10 minute delay. But for a 6 month denial of service I expect something a bit more....well, apologetic.