Overcrowding on trains in Kildare called out

The criticism was made by a local councillor

By Ciarán Mather Published 8th Oct 2026, 13:00 BST Overcrowding on trains in Kildare called out | PHOTOGRAPH CREDIT: CLLR CHRIS PENDER VIA FACEBOOK The criticism was made by a local councillor An incident of overcrowding on a train in County Kildare has been called out by a local representative.

The situation was highlighted by Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender, who is based in Newbridge.

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He took to social media to explain that delays experienced by passengers on Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) yesterday were partly caused by a signal fault.

However, Cllr Pender also shared photographs displaying overcrowding on a train — he explained: “The 9.21 from Newbridge was already standing room only before it even reached Newbridge, and passengers say it was only three carriages.

Cllr Chris Pender (Social Democrats) | FILE PHOTOGRAPH Cllr Pender added that he has written to both Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority in relation to the matter.

He also said: “We also need to be serious about remote working again.

“If people can work from their own communities for part of the week, that takes pressure off peak-time transport and keeps more time and spending in places like Newbridge.

“That does not remove the need for more trains and more carriages; we need both.”

Cllr Pender concluded by releasing this appeal to the general public living in Kildare: “If your train is regularly like this, send me the time, number of carriages and what conditions were like.”

The Leinster Leader has contacted Irish Rail / Iarnród Éireann for comment in relation to this instance of overcrowding.