Cork to Dublin rail service ‘not acceptable’

THE new high-powered state body overseeing public transport services has raised concerns with Iarnród Éireann over the quality of service and fare structure on Dublin-Cork rail services, warning that people will desert rail for their car.

The National Transport Authority has sought answers from Iarnród Éireann about an alleged deterioration in its first class service following complaints raised by one of its own board members who described it as “appalling”.

NTA director Berna Grist said her experience of the company’s first class facilities on Dublin-Cork trains compared very unfavourably with those offered on the Dublin-Belfast route, despite paying €40 over the standard fare for the journey.