Pauline Madigan, press officer, ESBHow do you travel to and from work? It's a bit of a triathlon. I drive from Portlaoise to Portarlington to catch the train to Dublin. Then, I cycle from Heuston Station to the ESB headquarters in Lower Fitzwilliam Street.
How long does it take? It takes one hour and 40 minutes usually and longer if the train is delayed.
What time do you leave home at? At 7.15 a.m. to catch the 7.40 a.m. train from Portarlington.
What time do you arrive home? It varies. Sometimes, I stay late and occasionally I get an early train home. But generally, I catch the 6.05 p.m. train from Heuston which gets into Portarlington at 7 p.m. and I'm home at 7.25 p.m.
Do you travel the same route every day? Yes. I've tried alternative routes on the bicycle but I've found cycling up the quays is the fastest though not necessarily the safest. I've also tried the train from Portlaoise which saves me an eight-mile drive each way. But, while there is plenty of choice of trains in the morning time, there is only the 5.30 p.m. and 7.15 p.m. in the evening and it is impossible to get a seat on the 5.30 p.m. train to Portlaoise. Driving is out because it takes between three and three and a half hours from Dublin to Portlaoise [in rush hour].
What do you enjoy about your commute? As a mother of two young children, I love the time out on the train every morning and evening. I read, or use the time to write or have a doze or a cup of coffee. I realise that I am far more refreshed after the journey compared with if I drove.
What bothers you most about your commute? Without doubt, the standard of public transport in Ireland. These trains are intercity trains but in reality, they are commuter trains with no extra safety measures installed for those standing. For instance, there are no overhead handrails in the carriages. Also, the lack of cycle lanes and combined cycle and bus lanes. I see near accidents every single day on my cycle.
Would you change your mode of transport if you could? I'd like to get a motorbike. This would make the journey from Heuston Station to work faster and a bit more fun.
How could your journey be improved? The provision of more cycle lanes throughout the city and a higher level of safety on trains.
•In conversation with Sylvia Thompson
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