Pressure growing for restoration of catering on Mayo rail services
The National Transport Authority (NTA) should provide clarity on its budgetary requirements and decision-making process regarding the re-instatement of catering services on all Irish Rail intercity routes, a Mayo Oireachtas member has said.
Senator Mark Duffy, who is a member of the Oireachtas joint Committee on Transport, has raised concerns surrounding the continued absence of onboard catering, which was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, and has yet to be fully restored on all routes around the country.
“Passengers travelling long distances across the country deserve basic amenities, and catering should not be regarded as a luxury and is seen as a standard service on rail across Europe,” said Senator Duffy.
“Earlier this week, Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien told the Dáil that he’s seen ‘some really good shops in Heuston Station’, suggesting that solves the issue.
“Those looking to travel to or from my own county of Mayo, or Sligo, Galway, Wexford or Waterford are not being given access to basic necessities, such as being able to buy a bottle of water, for journeys which could last up to four hours.
“In a time of trying to encourage more people to use public transport, issues like these can very simply turn people off as the motorways around the country have services along the network.
“The NTA must explain why it has not allocated sufficient funding to reinstate these services, and whether it has properly assessed the social and economic impact of their absence.
“The situation has been mismanaged over the past few years, while Irish Rail continues to say it is working to re-instate the service”, said Senator Duffy.
“We’re talking about journeys that can last up to four hours. For many passengers - especially older people, families with children, and those with health conditions - access to food and drink is essential,” he added.
The senator has submitted questions to the NTA and the Department of Transport, seeking a breakdown of cost estimates, procurement barriers, and any plans for phased re-introduction.
“If the issue is budgetary, then let’s see the numbers. If it’s logistical, then let’s hear the plan. But silence and delay are not acceptable,” Senator Duffy concluded.
With Budget 2026 now under active consideration, Senator Duffy is urging the government and the NTA to prioritise funding for the restoration of catering services as part of a broader commitment to passenger welfare and transport equity.
Senator Duffy urged the NTA to engage with Irish Rail, passenger advocacy groups, and catering providers to explore viable solutions, including mobile vending, pre-order systems, or public-private partnerships.