Huge demand for FAI Cup Final train provides glimpse of Derry’s rail future: Into The West

They say it offers a glimpse of the kind of transport future the North West deserves.

When Translink confirmed that they would be running a special train between Waterside Station and Dublin Connolly following lobbying from Into the West, all 390 seats sold out in less than an hour.

Into The West Chair Steve Bradley said: “We’re grateful to Translink for running a special train to this year’s FAI Cup Final. It’s really becoming part of the big match tradition here in Derry that, whether for gaelic or association football, a special rail service helps get supporters to and from Dublin.

"We knew demand for this would be huge, and yet again the City supporters showed up in numbers – with the train selling out in less than an hour. I have no doubt we could have filled 2 or 3 trains for this fixture, such are the numbers flocking to the game and the interest in doing so by train.”

Mr. Bradley said Into the West did press Translink to see if they could run a second train or even add extra carriages.

"We even suggested they add a carriage at Belfast, as the train is due to stop there to collect supporters, but unfortunately one 6-carriage train is all they can provide. It’s still fantastic that supporters can let the train take the strain out of getting to Dublin for the big match. We just wish that more of them were able to take advantage of the opportunity,” he said.

The Derry rail lobbyist said the demand for the cup final train exemplified growing demand for services.

He pointed out how the last decade saw passenger numbers from Derry more than treble with the Waterside Station climbing from the 17th busiest to the 7th busiest station in the North.

"This shouldn’t be a novelty event that only happens once every two years for special occasions. Derry should have direct rail links to Dublin all-day every day,” Mr. Bradley declared.