It might be a long way to Tipperary - but for some Pembrokeshire commuters a trip to the Emerald Isle might be the only way out of the county, according to research undertaken by Alun Davies AM. Mr. Davies has been campaigning for better public transport across mid and west Wales, including better train services at the weekend from places like Pembroke Dock to London.
Alun Davies said: "Improving public transport in mid and west Wales is a key priority for me. There have been improvements in the weekday service from Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven to Swansea and beyond, but weekend services are a very different matter.
"I was amazed to discover that whilst searching for the first train to London from Pembroke Dock on a Sunday, National Rail suggested that I should take the Irish Ferries service to Rosslare, hop on the Stena Line ferry service to Fishguard and carry on my journey to London by train.
"This might sound like a joke, but unfortunately it highlights the very poor service that west Wales train users have to suffer. The first service out of Pembroke Dock on a Sunday is 4.05 pm and 11.35 am from Milford Haven; this is just not good enough. Trains into the county are equally as sparse. It is affecting the growth of our economy and hampering the efforts of Pembrokeshire's tourist industry by preventing people from getting to our wonderful range of attractions."
Alun Davies has raised the issue of developing better rail transport in mid and west Wales with the Minister for Economy and Transport and the First Minister Rhodri Morgan.
Alun Davies said: "We already have the infrastructure in place in mid and west Wales. We need to ensure that the Assembly Government's investment in rail services places a priority on services west of Swansea, in order to improve both the frequency and the speed of service."
Alun Davies is interested in hearing your views on public transport services in Pembrokeshire. Are you able to use public transport or train transport to get to work? Would you consider using it above the car? Contact the constituency office on 01267 238306 or attend one of Alun Davies local surgeries to discuss this or any other local matter of concern.