Kilcoolers Can Now Go Leap

I hear that train a-comin’…

atest press release from Steven Matthews TD, issued on Tuesday, September 12th 2023…

A new ticket vending machine and a Leap card validator will shortly be installed at the Kilcoole Rail stop.

It has been announced that a new ticket vending machine and a Leap card validator will shortly be installed at the Kilcoole Rail stop.

This will allow leap card users to tag on and off at this location as part of the ‘short hop zone’ fares, saving commuters up to €3.20 per day for a return journey. Prior to this, Leap card users at Kilcoole were forced to seek fare rebates from Irish rail as there was no facility to tag on or off at this stop. It is expected that these facilities will be installed before Halloween.

Wicklow Green Party TD Steven Matthews said: “This is very positive news for Kilcoole commuters, and it was something that has been raised to be by many rail passengers in recent months.

“Irish Rail have committed to installing a Leap Card tagging system within the next two months, with most of the work already complete. The only remaining issue related to connectivity in the station which is expected to be resolved in the coming weeks.

“While passengers getting on and off at Kilcoole were technically able to avail of Leap card savings previously as it is in the short hop zone, it was a real hassle of having to apply online to get a rebate and I know many commuters from Kilcoole found it difficult to get the rebates they were owed.

“I am also working with Irish rail to get more stops in included in the Leap Card zone so to further reduce the cost of rail for passengers. I believe this should be expanded to include Wicklow Town as part of my wider plans to bring the DART to Wicklow Town and to triple the number of daily rail journeys to and from the town.

“I will continue to engage with Irish Rail to avoid any further delays and if any commuters from Kilcoole have any problems with the system once it is installed, I would ask that they get in touch and I will flag any teething issues with Irish Rail directly.”