Don’t bank on having breakfast on the train

I HAVE previously written of the atrocious service from Eircom and Iarnród Éireann. Their responses went something like this: ‘We are surprised to hear such awful things happened to you.

This is well below our standards. We will investigate and get back to you.’

In the intervening 13 months (Eircom) and four months (Iarnród Éireann), I have heard nothing.

Recently, I was back on the train with my son. I decided we’d have a treat of breakfast at our table in first class. I paid €83 for our tickets and joined the train, salivating at the prospect of the treat. By the time we were in Thomastown, and no menus had been given out, I headed through the carriage to be confronted by the dreaded trolley. “Breakfast in first class?” I queried. “Trolley only,” he glowered. Surely a word with the conductor would sort it all out? “I haven’t seen a breakfast on this train for a year. Ye could try for a refund when ye get to Dublin,” he said.

I anticipated the joy of a day out with my boy, and was quite willing to pay for the treat. What I got was frightful service on a filthy train. And we wonder why our roads are clogged with sole-occupier cars.

Cllr Joe Conway

44 Roselawn

Tramore

Co Waterford