A Fianna Fáil Senator has demanded the return of the catering trolley on all Irish Rail routes. 

The previously universal service was axed during the pandemic and has since returned on only two routes. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Senator Ollie Crowe said Irish rail journeys are unusual by not providing travellers with the option of refreshments. 

“Late last month, Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority stated that there was not sufficient funding to restore catering services,” he said. 

“Dublin to Cork and Belfast-Dublin have catering facilities, so I just think we need to treat commuters, we need to treat tourists alike. 

“We need to treat them with improved public transport… and I think this is a basic essential service.”

A food trolley cart on the Enterprise train between Belfast and Dublin. Picture by: Radharc Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Senator Crowe continued that there is no reason why commuters should continue to accept an inferior service to the one they enjoyed prior to the pandemic. 

“The NTA and the Department of Transport gave a commitment that catering facilities would be returned by the end of 2024,” he said. 

“We’re now in mid-2025, that’s not the case and what I think we need to do is, we need to promote public transport, make it more attractive. 

“Government are providing funding in every budget, yet at the same time, we’re providing rail services where people cannot get a cup of tea or coffee.

“That’s something they could do 30 or 40 years ago and I think that’s illogical.

“Prior to COVID, the catering facilities ran perfectly  - why is it so different now?” 

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

Senator Crowe added that he believes there is huge public support for the return of the trolley on all routes. 

“I’ve been contacted by people from Cork, commuters around Dublin,” he said. 

“Certainly when you go to the train station early in the morning, the facilities at the train station are not open. 

“Overall, I think we need to encourage [people to take the train] and to do that, we should provide the service. 

“I might also point out, that in case of emergency, you can’t even purchase a bottle of water on the train - which I think is unacceptable from a health and safety point of view.” 

The Department of Transport has been contacted for comment.

Main image: The trolley cart on a train between Belfast and Dublin. Picture by: Alamy.com.