New controversy hits Mayo rail service

THE rail service to Mayo has been hit by a fresh controversy.

RTÈ News is reporting that passengers on a train from Dublin to Westport were stuck onboard for two hours when it broke down near Castlebar.

The train left Dublin at 1.40 p.m. and broke down at 4.50 p.m. Service resumed shortly before 7 p.m.

One passenger on board told RTÉ News that communication about what was happening was very poor.

Irish Rail spokesperson Jane Cregan said that while some announcements were made, the driver was outside of the cab attempting to rectify the problem for most of the time the train was stopped and this may have contributed to the small number of announcements made.

The 3.40 p.m. train from Heuston to Westport also terminated at Claremorris and a bus to Westport was provided, Ms Cregan said.

Bus transfers also brought passengers who had intended on taking the 5.45 p.m. train from Westport to Dublin to Claremorris, where the service commenced, Ms Cregan added.

Ms Cregan apologised on behalf of Irish Rail to all passengers caught up in the delay.