Leitrim County Council seeks to reinstate trolley service on Sligo train line

The trolley service on Iarnród Éireann trains was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic and was gradually reinstated, with the trolley on the Dublin to Cork line returning in April 2023. 

However, the service has not fully resumed, as the Sligo to Dublin line still lacks a trolley service. 

This has prompted calls for its return to better accommodate passengers on long journeys.

At November’s meeting of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Sean McGowan delivered a motion seeking the support of members in again calling on Iarnrod Éireann to reinstate the trolley service on all Inter-City routes.

“It’s something I’m passionate about, calling on Iarnrod Éireann to reinstate the trolley service on all trains. They’ve done it on the Cork and Belfast line, but not the Sligo line and the West of Ireland,” Cllr McGowan said.

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Cllr McGowan stated that the service is badly needed, highlighting that many families with children and elderly individuals would benefit from its return.

“I ask Iarnrod Éireann to reinstate this as a matter of urgency,” he concluded.

Cllr McGowan’s motion was met with widespread support across the board.

Cllr Gary Prior pointed out that individuals travelling for early morning appointments are unable to grab a cup of tea or a sandwich.

It’s not good enough that it’s been returned on other routes and not this one,” Cllr Pádraig Fallon commented.

Cllr McGowan’s motion was unanimously supported with Cathaoirleach Paddy O’Rourke noting they will write to the appropriate body with the view of bringing the service back if possible.

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