The lack of catering service on most Irish rail routes has been described as a “disgrace, frankly” by the Galway Commuters Coalition. 

During the pandemic, catering services were cancelled to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. 

Since then, catering services have been brought back on Enterprise services between Dublin and Belfast, as well as the Cork to Dublin route. 

On Lunchtime Live, Galway Commuters Coalition Chair Lochlann Gallagher said there has been “very little movement” from Irish Rail on the matter. 

 “They mentioned they might have a pilot scheme for vending machines but frankly that’s not acceptable,” he said. 

“How is this taking so long? It’s not that hard to get an organisation to brew a few coffees and push a few trolleys. 

“It’s really something that just is basic, very basic, and it’s a bit of disgrace, frankly.” 

Irish Rail train drivers. Picture by: PA Archive/PA Images.

Originally from Dublin, Mr Gallagher regularly travels between Galway and the capital; although he can drive, he usually takes the train or bus. 

“The catering service in the past was a real advantage for rail,” he said. 

“As we try to move people from their cars onto the trains where we can, it’s an advantage that we shouldn’t leave lying. 

“The ability to get a cup of tea or a cup of coffee and a sandwich is a real bonus.” 

Mr Gallagher said it all means the experience of using public transport in Ireland compares unfavorably to other countries in Europe. 

“That’s a serious flaw in our mind of Iarnród Éireann’s policy is that they aren’t very accepting or willing to facilitate in station shops and coffee shops and the like,” he said. 

“If you go to other railway networks in Europe, you’ll see that every station - or at least ones that are halfway busy - will have a little coffee shop.

“It’s a great money spinner, to be honest.” 

Transport for Ireland has been contacted for comment.

Trolley catering service. Picture by: Alamy.com.