Ireland’s public transport system has recently come under heavy scrutiny due to widespread delays, cancellations, and disruptions affecting buses, trains, and trams. Commuters across the country have faced significant inconvenience, with issues stemming from industrial action, vandalism, weather disruptions, and operational challenges.

As the situation unfolds, many passengers are questioning the reliability of public transport and whether urgent improvements are needed.

Dublin Bus Disruptions: Industrial Action Causes Major Delays

Dublin Bus services recently experienced significant disruptions due to a work-to-rule industrial action by engineering operatives.

• When: The action began on Sunday night and was suspended on 6th March 2025.
• Impact: Commuters faced massive delays and cancellations, particularly on routes 7, 14, 15, and the E1 services.
• Resolution: The strike was suspended after talks between Dublin Bus management and union representatives, allowing services to return to normal.

Despite the resolution, passengers remain frustrated by the lack of communication during the disruptions and the uncertainty of future disputes.

Irish Rail DART Services Suspended After Vandalism

DART services were partially suspended following a vandalism incident between Dalkey and Bray on 18th March 2025.

• Damage: Overhead lines and a pantograph were vandalised, affecting power supply.
• Service Impact: Southbound DART services were halted, with trains turning back at Dalkey instead of continuing towards Bray.
• Ongoing Issues: Repair works are still in progress, with no confirmed date for full restoration of services.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of Ireland’s transport infrastructure and raises concerns about security on public transport routes.

Bus Éireann Service Cancellations and Delays

Bus Éireann passengers were also affected by last-minute cancellations and significant delays on 18th March 2025.

Affected Routes:

• Route 320: 15:00 Limerick to Charleville and 16:30 Charleville to Limerick were cancelled.
• Route 51: 13:05 Galway to Cork service was delayed by 25 minutes.
• Route 64: 07:15 Derry to Galway service was delayed by 25 minutes.

While no specific reasons were given for these disruptions, commuters expressed frustration at the lack of notice and alternatives.

Luas Tram Services: Delays Following Riots

Luas tram services suffered significant damage following the Dublin riots in November 2023, with long-term consequences for commuters.

• A Green Line tram was set on fire on O’Connell Street, causing damage to overhead power lines.
• Red Line services were halted east of Smithfield, while Green Line services north of St. Stephen’s Green were disrupted.

Although services have since resumed, passengers still report inconsistent service and unexpected delays, with calls for better security measures on public transport.

Weather-Related Disruptions: Storm Éowyn Impacts Services

Public transport was heavily affected by Storm Éowyn on 24th January 2025.

• Met Éireann issued a Status Red wind warning, leading to school closures and widespread transport disruptions.
• High winds and flooding forced temporary suspensions of trains and bus services.

While weather disruptions are unavoidable, many passengers criticised the lack of contingency plans to ensure smoother operations during extreme weather.

Public Transport in Crisis? What Needs to Change?

The recent wave of delays, cancellations, and disruptions across Ireland’s bus, train, and tram services raises serious questions about the state of public transport in the country.

Key Issues Highlighted:

• Unreliable Services – Commuters face frequent delays and last-minute cancellations with little communication.
• Infrastructure Problems – Vandalism and poor maintenance have led to service suspensions on crucial routes.
• Lack of Contingency Plans – Extreme weather continues to cripple transport services without sufficient backup options.
• Industrial Action Disruptions – Transport unions and management clashes are causing severe inconvenience for commuters.

What Can Commuters Do?

If you rely on public transport, here are some tips to minimise inconvenience during disruptions:

• Check Live Updates: Monitor transport websites and social media for real-time updates on service changes.
• Plan Alternative Routes: If possible, identify backup transport options in case of cancellations.
• Report Issues: Contact public transport operators to highlight problems and demand better service.
• Advocate for Better Transport Policies: Support initiatives that call for investment in more reliable public transport infrastructure.

Is Public Transport in Ireland Failing?

The reliability of public transport in Ireland has been seriously questioned in recent months, with industrial action, vandalism, severe weather, and operational issues creating major disruptions for commuters.

For many people, public transport is essential—yet the current system is unreliable and frustrating, making daily travel a stressful experience.

• Should the government invest more in improving transport reliability?
• Are private transport alternatives becoming a better option?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

📌 For more updates on transport and commuting in Ireland, visit itson.ie.