A view from Conygham Road of one of the first passenger trains entering the Phoenix Park tunnelThe Green Party has welcomed the opening of the Phoenix Park Rail Tunnel to scheduled passenger services for the first time in its 139 year history. However it has also called for further stations to be opened on the line in order to improve rail services in Dublin.

Green Party Transport spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe said today:"Today is a good day for Irish Rail, and I watched with delight as the 0835 from Hazelhatch passed under the Conyngham Road and into the Phoenix Park Tunnel. However it is also a lost opportunity to give commuters in West and North Dublin the opportunity to commute by rail to and from their place of work."Irish Rail must now consider opening up stations in Ballyfermot, Inchicore, and Phibsborough to serve passenger demand. They should also consider opening up Platform Ten at Heuston and adding a new eastbound platform. Thousands of commuters will welcome this new service, but there are thousands more living and working beside the rail track who would take up the opportunity to leave the car at home if we opened up further stations along the route.ENDSPages last updated, 21st November 2016