On-board Catering Still Missing in the West
Passengers traveling by train in the western region of the country have yet to see the return of the tea trolley, as Irish Rail continues to explore ways to fund the reinstatement of catering services on Western Inter-City routes.
The on-board food catering service has been absent from many Irish Rail routes since its suspension during the Covid-19 pandemic. While refreshment services have resumed on the Dublin – Cork and Dublin – Belfast lines, the western region remains unaffected.
Jane Cregan, an Irish Rail spokesperson, stated that the primary reason for the delayed return of catering services is that it has become "an awful lot more expensive" since the pandemic.
Currently, Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority are citing funding shortages as the reason for the lack of catering services. According to Midwest Radio's Rowan Kelly, who has been in discussion with Ms. Cregan, the search for a solution continues.
Author's summary: Irish Rail struggles to reinstate catering services due to funding issues.
- On-board catering services suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic
- Refreshment services resumed on Dublin – Cork and Dublin – Belfast lines
- Funding shortages cited as reason for delayed return of catering services