A TOTAL of 619,000 passenger journeys were recorded on the Dublin to Kerry rail line in 2017, the highest figures ever recorded on the route.  This represents a 4.1% increase on 2016.

Iarnród Eireann has attributed economic improvements, greater numbers of people in employment, and record tourist numbers visiting the Kerry region as the reasons for the increase in passenger numbers.

Nationally, passenger numbers grew to 45.5million passenger journeys, equalling 2007, which was the highest number of passenger journeys ever recorded.

Commenting on the figures, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, David Franks said: “As an organisation it is great to see our passenger numbers returning to peak levels. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we are working hard to ensure that we can provide an even better service throughout 2018”

During 2018 Iarnród Éireann say they will continue invest in improving the Dublin/Kerry line to further reduce journey times in the future and provide punctual, frequent and value for money transport for the people of Kerry.